# Na Gyi

Na Gyi (Burmese: ဏကြီး; born May 2, 1981) is a Burmese film director, known for his works, Mi (2018) and What Happened to the Wolf? (2021). He has gained significant recognition within the Burmese film industry and has also made a mark on the international film scene. He is considered a promising and prominent filmmaker in Myanmar Cinema.

## Early life and education

Na Gyi was born in Yangon, Myanmar on 2 May 1981. He passed matriculation from BEHS (1), Dagon in 1998. During the study of engineering at Yangon Technology University, he left for London for further study. He studied Digital Filmmaking at Raindance, London. Na Gyi married Paing Phyo Thu, the lead actress from his debut film, Mi on January 1, 2019.

## Career

Na Gyi's career took off when his first feature film, Mi was screened across the country in Myanmar. The film was an adaptation of the novel, "Mi" by prominent and well-respected novelist, Kyi Aye. Although expectations were high, the film was well received by the audience. There were harsh public criticisms at Myanmar Academy Awards (2018) for leaving Mi with no award.
Mi received 2 nominations (Best Actress, Best Film) and 1 award (Best Director of Photography) at ASEAN international Film Festival and Awards, 2019. Mi was also officially selected for Cardiff International Film Festival (2020) and Festival International de Cinema de Lleida Visual Art (2020).
Na Gyi's second film, What Happened to the Wolf? was officially selected and held the world premiere at Oldenburg International Film Festival in 2021. Due to the 2021 Myanmar coup ďétat, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu were in hiding and not able to attend the Oldenburg International Film Festival (2021).

## Political activities

Following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu were actively participated in anti-coup rallies and utilized social media to denounce the military junta. On 17 February 2021, warrant for his arrest was issued under section 505 (a) of the Myanmar Penal Code by the State Administration Council for speaking out against the Military Coup and supporting Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) along with several other celebrities. Consequently, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu were forced into hiding to evade capture.
Na Gyi has been a advocate for the implementation of the Rating System in Myanmar, challenging the country's strict censorship laws. This initiative, known as the "Rating System Now" campaign, aimed to promote creative freedom and artistic expression within the Burmese film industry. The campaign gained significant support from the Burmese film industry, with many artists and filmmakers rallying behind the cause.
Na Gyi founded Artist's Shelter in Mae Sot, Thailand to help and support Myanmar artists in exile in August 2023. Recognizing the urgent need for a safe space for artists displaced by the political turmoil, Na Gyi established the organization to provide support, resources, and opportunities for creative expression to Myanmar artists in exile. Artist's Shelter provides a safe and supportive environment, enabling artists to continue their work, and advocates for freedom of expression.

## Filmography

* London Tale (2008) (Writer/Director/Actor)
* Where do you come from? What are you doing? Where are you going? (2012) (Writer/Director)
* Let There Be Dark (short film, 2012) (Associate Producer)
* Bo Ma (2014) (Writer/Director)
* Mi (2018) (Writer/Director)
* What Happened to the Wolf? (2021) (Writer/Director)

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
| 2018 | Myanmar Motion Picture Academy Awards | Best Director of Photography | Mi | Nominated |
| 2019 | ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards | Best Director of Photography | Mi | Won |
| 2019 | Star Awards | Best Director of Photography | Mi | Won |
| 2021 | Dili International Film Festival | Best Narrative Feature | What Happened to the Wolf? | Won |
| 2021 | Oldenburg International Film Festival | Best Film | What Happened to the Wolf? | Nominated |
| 2022 | Hobnobben Film Festival | Best Narrative Feature | What Happened to the Wolf? | Won |
| 2024 | Oldenburg International Film Festival | Honorary Tribute Award | - | Won |