After graduating with an English Major in 2013, Joni began her journey in journalism as a Video Journalist at Kamayut Media, where her passion for videography ignited. Her next role at BBC Media Action deepened her interest, leading her to discover a profound love for documentary filmmaking.
As Myanmar experienced a period of democratic development around 2017, Joni seized the opportunity to pursue a Master’s in Directing in Film and Television at Bournemouth University. Just when things seemed to be on the upswing, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the devastating military coup in Myanmar in 2021.
In the early days of the coup, driven by her commitment to truth, Joni decided to document the unfolding events. However, her courageous pursuit of justice came at a cost. In April 2021, she and her roommate were arrested at their home and spent ten harrowing days in an interrogation center before being released.
By February 2023, Joni found herself in Chiang Mai, propelled by her passion and a new, meaningful mission: to tell the stories of those like her—individuals who have faced hardships and exile. She launched “Stories We Tell, Exiled from Burma”, a project that resonates deeply with viewers by authentically portraying the struggles of the exiled community. Her work serves as a poignant window into their realities, capturing the resilience and strength of those who have been exiled.
One of Joni’s most significant experiences in documentary filmmaking has been the opportunity to engage with diverse voices and perspectives. She still remembers one of her protagonists’s remarks that goes “There are no personal stories; they are always intertwined with political realities. Many believe they can remain apolitical, unaware that these changes will inevitably impact their lives.”
After discovering the Exile Hub program of the Critical Voices Fellowship on Telegram, Joni applied and received a grant. This funding allowed her to launch the Mae Sot Project, where she aims to connect with the exiled community and uncover the compelling stories of Ma Su Myat and Ko Kyaw Wai Phyo.
The documentary "Holding on to the Dream with Su Myat" portrays the life of a woman whose dreams were shattered by the coup. Once a promising oboist with the Myanmar National Symphony Orchestra, she envisioned furthering her studies in Japan. Instead, she joined a resistance group and became a single mother to a beautiful daughter. Though it has been a long time since she played the oboe, she continues to hold tightly to her dream.
Another documentary, "A Sacrifice Made with Kyaw Wai Phyo" features a protagonist who humbly refers to himself as "nobody." Once a full-time university lecturer, part-time newspaper editor, writer, and musician, he aspired to become a professor while pursuing his PhD. After the 2021 coup, he left everything behind to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and dedicate himself to the resistance, setting aside his personal dreams to focus solely on the cause.
Grateful for her connection with Exile Hub, she emphasizes the importance of funding for her projects, noting, “The Mae Sot project requires a larger budget due to logistics, and this support allows me to fulfill my wish of meeting courageous individuals and learning from their experiences. Each encounter brings a thrill of discovery and insight.”
Exile Hub is proud to support fellows like Joni as they document the pro-democracy movement. We remain committed to empowering storytellers who amplify voices of resistance and hope.
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