Resistance diaries: An exhibition of artwork by ‘The Kite Tales’

Link to the program recording here.

Journalism has always been a dangerous profession in Myanmar, regardless of who is in power. Even during the country’s fleeting decade of openness, journalism was a low-paid, thankless job that frequently garnered more rancour than reverence. The situation has worsened dramatically since the February 2021 coup. Scores of journalists have been harassed, arrested, tortured and killed.

Most independent media were forced out, and hundreds of reporters lost their jobs. Many fled across the border to try and continue working, often living illegally. Those who could not or would not leave have to keep a low profile and do whatever job they can find. They became taxi drivers or shopkeepers. Anything to make ends meet.

In 2022, ‘The Kite Tales,’ a non-profit storytelling project set up by two journalists with a love for Myanmar, established a fellowship to provide financial support to journalists and illustrators and to give them space to voice their thoughts, hopes, and fears in anonymous diaries about life under the military regime.

These diaries are even more relevant -- and important -- now that international attention on Myanmar has waned. They provide a glimpse into the personal and professional hardships faced by journalists and storytellers working to alert the world to the terrible abuse the military is meting out to its own people.

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The Kite Tales will be exhibiting artwork illustrating these diaries at the FCCT for two weeks. Join us at the FCCT Clubhouse for the opening on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm.

Thin Lei Win, investigative journalist and co-founder, The Kite Tales.

Shoon Naing, Pulitzer-winning journalist from Myanmar.

An illustrator (anonymous) who is receiving support from The Kite Tales, via Zoom.

Other speakers, to be announced.

Moderator: Gwen Robinson, editor-at-large, Nikkei Asia, past president FCCT.