Behind every act of resistance is a face: a student, defector, doctor, actor, singer, model, comedian, or influencer. These portraits honour the people who embody the courage and hope of Myanmar’s revolution. Each face tells a story of sacrifice, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. They remain strong and continue to fight side by side with the people of Myanmar.
Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi
"Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was a filmmaker, poet, educator, and human rights advocate who spent his
life using cinema to defend human dignity. He founded the Human Dignity Film Institute and the
Human Rights Human Dignity International Film Festival, creating spaces for young filmmakers
and bringing human rights stories to audiences in Myanmar.
His commitment came at a personal cost. In 2019, he was arrested and sentenced to one year in
prison for Facebook posts criticizing the military and its role in politics, despite serious health
concerns. He was released in 2020, only to be detained again following the 2021 military coup
and held until November 2022.
Even through imprisonment and illness, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi remained a strong voice for
democracy and human rights. His life connected filmmaking with resistance, showing how art
can challenge power and preserve human dignity. He died on June 2, 2026, after a long battle
with liver cancer, leaving behind a legacy of courage, creative freedom, and commitment to
Myanmar’s democratic struggle."
General Gun Maw
"Vice Chief of Staff, Kachin Independence Army (KIA)
General Gun Maw is one of Myanmar’s most prominent ethnic leaders, serving as Vice Chief of Staff of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and a senior figure within the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
Born in Kachin State, his life has been shaped by decades of conflict and struggle for equality. After completing his education, he chose a path few would willingly take by joining the Kachin resistance in 1987 and dedicating his life to the protection of his people and their identity.
Over the years, Gun Maw has walked both the battlefield and the negotiation table. A soldier wounded in combat, yet also a voice in peace talks, he has consistently called for a future built on dignity, equality, and genuine federalism.
Through war and fragile dialogue, he has remained a steady figure for the Kachin people, a leader shaped by hardship, but guided by the belief that true peace must come with justice. His journey reflects not only resistance, but a lifelong commitment to a Myanmar where all ethnic communities can stand as equals."
Maui
"Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF)
Maui, also known as Marwi, is a leading figure in Myanmar’s resistance movement and serves as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF).
Before the 2021 military coup, he lived a civilian life as an agronomist and environmental advocate. When peaceful protests were met with violence, he joined thousands of young people who took up arms to defend their communities.
Today, Maui plays a key role in organizing resistance operations in Karenni (Kayah) State, working alongside allied groups to oppose military rule. He represents a generation driven from ordinary life into extraordinary struggle, fighting for a more just, democratic future for Myanmar."
Violinist Phoe San
"With a violin in hand and resistance in his music, Phoe San has emerged as one of the leading artistic voices of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution. Born in 1990 and trained under master violinist U Tin Yee, he built his early career as an orchestral and recording artist and later founded The Violin House, where he trained young musicians and led string ensembles.
After the 2021 military coup, he faced arrest threats from the military junta and was forced to flee with his family, living in displacement along the border. Despite this, he continued his revolutionary work—leading the “Violinist Movement” with hundreds of musicians, performing in major protest gatherings and fundraising concerts, and releasing impactful resistance music such as “Drop the Weapons.”
He also expanded his creative work internationally through cross-border performances, helping bring global attention to Myanmar’s struggle. In 2024, he received a U.S.-based Arts Fellowship in recognition of his artistic impact and commitment during the revolution. In 2026, he released the album The Sound of 36. He continues to travel intermittently into Myanmar to teach music to displaced communities and resistance fighters, offering emotional support through music and creating new revolutionary songs. Today, Phoe San continues to use his violin as a voice of defiance, solidarity, and hope for a free Myanmar.
"
Zay Yar Tun & Thinzar Aye
Zay Yar Tun and Thinzar Aye are a married couple from Myanmar who work together as social entrepreneurs and humanitarian volunteers. Ko Zay Yar Tun is best known as the founder of Clean Yangon, established in 2017 to address waste management challenges and promote environmental awareness in Yangon. Together, they have actively participated in volunteer work, including with Mingalarbar, a volunteer organization that supports communities in mountainous regions and areas lacking healthcare and basic needs.
After the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, they became actively involved in the pro-democracy movement while continuing their humanitarian efforts. During this time, they expanded their work to support refugee and displaced communities by providing food, healthcare, and essential assistance, while also helping to raise funds for communities in Karenni State. They also established the Yaung Ni Social Development Training School under Clean Yangon to offer education and skills training for refugee communities.
They continue to lead and support humanitarian initiatives through Clean Yangon and related programs, working together to assist displaced and vulnerable communities across Myanmar.
Captain Nyi Thuta
Captain Nyi Thuta is a former officer of the Myanmar Army who chose to stand with the people following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. A graduate of the Defence Services Academy, he served nearly a decade in Karen State, Kachin State, and northern Shan State before his final posting in Naypyitaw’s Production and Public Relations Department. After joining the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), he became actively involved in supporting defected soldiers and police officers, assisting with fundraising for People’s Defence Force (PDF) units, providing military training and strategic guidance, and offering mental health counseling to those affected by conflict. His journey reflects a commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and the belief that the armed forces must ultimately serve the people.
Myat Noe Aye
Myat Noe Aye is an acclaimed Burmese actress and fashion model, and a graduate of Yangon Film School. She first gained widespread attention with her breakout performance in Nya (2017), which established her as a rising star in Myanmar’s film industry. Her notable works also include Stranger’s House (2019) and Broken Dreams (2023).
Following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, Myat Noe Aye became an outspoken supporter of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). As a result of her activism, she was placed on the military junta’s wanted list. Despite the risks, she continued to participate in revolutionary short films, music projects, and modeled for campaign products that supported the pro-democracy movement.
After two years of the Spring Revolution, she relocated to the United States, where she continues to actively support Myanmar’s democracy movement through advocacy and campaign fundraising.
Naw Htike Htike Htun
Naw Htike Htike Htun, known as Travel by Naw Htike, is a Myanmar travel blogger and humanitarian activist from Mogok. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from West Yangon Technological University, a postgraduate diploma in Urban Planning, and an MBA from the University of Northampton (UK). She previously worked as an architect with THINK Architects. She began travel blogging in 2016 while working as a jewelry seller and travel tour agent. After the military coup in 2021, she stopped travel blogging and lived in the jungle and later in Mae Sot, Thailand, until 2023. Since the coup, Naw Htike has been actively involved in fundraising, advocacy campaigns, and humanitarian efforts supporting on-ground resistance forces and displaced communities. She is also engaged in the sale of Mogok gemstones, both to sustain herself and to contribute to urgent revolutionary and humanitarian needs.
Ma Thida (Sanchaung)
Ma Thida (Sanchaung) is a Burmese surgeon, writer, and human rights activist whose work spans literature and political resistance. She has been writing and publishing for more than four decades and previously worked at Yangon’s Muslim Free Hospital.
During late 1988 and 1989, she served as an aide and medic to pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Her first novel, written in 1992, was banned shortly before publication. In 1993, she was sentenced to 20 years in Insein Prison for her writings and political activities, becoming one of Myanmar’s most well-known prisoners of conscience.
After the military coup in 2021, Ma Thida left Myanmar and now lives in exile in Berlin, Germany. She is currently serving as the Chair of the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International and a fellow of the Writers in Exile Program at PEN Centre Germany. Her recent book, A-Maze, explores Myanmar’s struggle for democracy and the post-coup Spring Revolution. Through writing, interviews, and literary talks, she continues to advocate for human rights and freedom of expression.
May Thinn Khaing
May Thinn Khaing, also known as Tracy, is a doctor currently working in the Karenni ethnic region. Before the coup, she studied at the University of Medicine 1, Yangon, and actively participated in volunteering, fundraising, charity work, and COVID-19 response efforts. Following the coup, she left the city to avoid arrest and continued her medical studies under conflict conditions, including airstrikes and armed threats, earning her bachelor’s degree during the Spring Revolution. During this time, she also assisted in surgical procedures, gaining practical experience in emergency and critical care. She currently works at O-1 Hospital, providing clinical care and supporting medical aid campaigns for refugees and members of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, including hands-on support in surgeries and emergency treatment.
Sein Thee
Sein Thee (စိန်သီး) is a prominent Burmese comedian. He is known for his stand-up performances and his active presence on platforms like YouTube, where he has over a million subscribers. His content often includes commentary on current events, sometimes in a satirical or comedic format, and he uses hashtags like #revolution and #myanmar, indicating his engagement with the political situation. He was also a member of the "Thee Lay Thee" (Four Fruits) Technicolor Dance/Comedian troupe, which was founded by renowned comedian Zarganar.
Sein Thee was part of the "Thee Lay Thee" comedy troupe, some members of which went into exile, particularly after the 2007 Saffron Revolution, due to their critical performances against the military government. In 2011, Sein Thee, along with other members of the troupe, returned to Burma after then-President Thein Sein invited exiles to return. This return was a significant event, viewed as a test of the new government's openness.
Sein Thee has been a vocal supporter of the Myanmar Spring Revolution, which began in opposition to the 2021 military coup. His involvement is demonstrated through:
He continues to create and share content that references the revolution. His YouTube channel features videos with titles and hashtags directly related to the "revolution" and "Myanmar," suggesting his ongoing commentary and support for the movement. These videos are often viewed by hundreds of thousands of people, indicating his significant reach as a public figure.
Despite the risks associated with speaking out against the military, Sein Thee continues to use his platform to address the political situation in Myanmar, as evidenced by his recent YouTube uploads that directly reference the revolution.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein
Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, born on April 22, 1981, in Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), is a prominent Burmese pop singer. She is known for her distinctive stage presence and costumes, which have led to comparisons with Lady Gaga. Beyond her music career, she is also a qualified medical doctor, having graduated from the University of Medicine 1, Yangon. She debuted in 2003 with the album "Not Concerned Anymore" and has served as a UNICEF celebrity ambassador since 2008.
Phyu Phyu has been actively involved in the Myanmar Spring Revolution, demonstrating her strong opposition to the 2021 military coup.
Following the coup, she immediately participated in anti-coup movements, both by attending rallies in person and by using her social media platforms to denounce the military takeover. She publicly joined the "We Want Justice" three-finger salute movement, which became a symbol of resistance. Due to her vocal activism against the military coup, an arrest warrant was issued for her on April 13, 2021, under Section 505 (a) of the Myanmar Penal Code by the State Administration Council. This charge typically refers to inciting people to disturb the peace and stability of the nation.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein has used her musical platform to support the Spring Revolution and raise funds for those in need.
In November 2024, it was reported that she arranged to donate all her earnings from a solo concert in London to those in need in Myanmar through the National Unity Government (NUG).
She has performed a live show in Tokyo on May 25, 2025, which was part of her efforts to raise awareness and support for the movement.
Phyu Phyu has also held concerts in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, in early to mid-2025. These concerts often include meet-and-greet packages to further engage with her audience and maximize fundraising efforts. She also delivered a keynote speech at the New South Wales Parliament in Sydney, where she spoke about the situation in Myanmar and thanked Australia for its support, emphasizing that she represents the "voiceless people of Burma" and other artists who chose to stand with their people.
In February 2025, tickets for her music concert in South Korea reportedly sold out within a day, highlighting the strong support for her and the cause she represents.
Despite the risks and the loss of her luxurious life as a diva, She continues to support the revolution, stating that she has "no regrets" and believes they "cannot allow our children to fight in another revolution. We must win."
Nan Linn
Nan Lin is an activist from Myanmar. He is known for his role as the chairman of the Dagon University Student Union in Yangon.
Nan Lin has a history of activism and has been significantly involved in movements against military influence in Myanmar's politics.
Even before the 2021 Spring Revolution, Nan Lin was a prominent student leader. In 2015, he was arrested after six months on the run for his involvement in a protest against Article 436 of the Constitution. This article effectively grants the military a veto on constitutional amendments due to their allocated quarter of parliamentary seats. He and other students organized a demonstration against this provision, arguing that it harmed stability and incited violence by preventing genuine constitutional change. He was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which prohibits incitement.
Following the 2021 military coup, Nan Lin has remained active in the anti-junta movement. He has been identified as a member of the Anti-junta Alliance Yangon and has participated in discussions with the National Unity Government (NUG). In a meeting in January 2023, he expressed hope that such open discussions with the NUG would foster greater harmony, coordination, and cooperation within the opposition to the junta. His continued involvement highlights his enduring commitment to the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.
Director Na Gyi & Paing Phyoe Thu
Na Gyi, born on May 2, 1981, in Yangon, Myanmar, is a highly regarded Burmese writer, producer, and director. He initially pursued engineering before studying Digital Filmmaking at Raindance in London. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Myanmar cinema, often exploring unconventional themes. His notable works include his debut feature film "Mi" (2018), which earned him a Best Director of Photography award at AIFFA (2019), and "What Happened to the Wolf?" (2021). In 2024, he was honored with the Oldenburg International Film Festival's Honorary Tribute Award for his steadfast commitment to filmmaking despite facing exile. He married actress Paing Phyo Thu, the lead actress from "Mi," on January 1, 2019.
Na Gyi has been a vocal and active participant in the Myanmar Spring Revolution since the 2021 military coup. He publicly denounced the military coup and expressed strong opposition to the junta.
He openly supported the CDM, encouraging people to resist the military regime. Due to his outspoken stance, the ruling junta issued an arrest warrant against him under Section 505 (A) of the Myanmar Penal Code, which criminalizes incitement. This forced him to go into hiding.
Na Gyi and his wife, Paing Phyo Thu, were unable to attend the Oldenburg International Film Festival in 2021 due to being in hiding. He has since been living in exile but continues to make films, such as the short film "Guilt" (2024), demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft and his country's struggle. His studio in Yangon was also reportedly confiscated.
His continued artistic output from exile serves as a powerful symbol of resistance and a way to shed light on the situation in Myanmar internationally.
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Paing Phyoe Thu, born on April 5, 1990, in Yangon, Myanmar, is an acclaimed Burmese film actress and a medical doctor. She began her acting career as a child actor in 1999. She rose to prominence and is considered one of Myanmar's most promising and highest-paid actresses. She won a Myanmar Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for the film "3 Girls." She is also well-known for her roles in films like "Mi" (2018), "Now & Ever" (2019), and "What Happened to the Wolf?" (2021). She is married to director Na Gyi.
Paing Phyoe Thu has been equally fervent in her opposition to the military coup and her involvement in the Spring Revolution.
Following the 2021 coup, she was very active in anti-coup movements, participating in rallies in person and vocally expressing her dissent through social media. She publicly denounced the military junta, making her stance clear.
Like her husband, Na Gyi, Paing Phyoe Thu was also charged under Section 505 (A) of the Myanmar Penal Code for incitement. This charge forced her into hiding and, subsequently, exile alongside her husband.
Her actions reflect the significant involvement of women in the Spring Revolution, many of whom, including beloved film stars, have faced charges under this punitive legislation that effectively criminalizes freedom of speech. She continues to be a symbol of the artistic community's defiance against the military regime.
Min Maw Koon
Min Maw Koon, born Kyaw Kyaw Htay Lwin on February 26, 1979, in Yangon, is a prominent Burmese actor, model, and singer. He began his acting career as a child actor at the age of 5 and became a lead actor by 17. He is an acclaimed artist, having received the Myanmar Academy Award for Best Actor in 2001 for his performance in "Good Hearted-Stupid Person." Throughout his career, he has acted in more than 150 films and also achieved success in his singing career with the music group Myaypeyo.
Min Maw Koon has been a highly active and vocal participant in the Myanmar Spring Revolution since the 2021 military coup. He has taken a strong stand against the military junta, denouncing the coup and actively participating in anti-coup movements both in person at rallies and through social media.
He joined the "We Want Justice" three-finger salute movement and was a vocal critic of the military coup, encouraging participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Due to his outspoken activism, an arrest warrant was issued for him under section 505 (a) of the Myanmar Penal Code by the State Administration Council for inciting people to disturb the peace and stability of the nation.
While in the jungle, he co-founded the D-Day Channel, a broadcasting platform focused on revolutionary topics, including safety measures and weapon handling. His active stance resulted in his homes and business property being confiscated by the military council in August 2022.
In July 2022, he relocated to Australia as a political refugee. Despite being in Australia, he remains committed to ending military rule in Myanmar. He continues to advocate for change by actively participating in protests, engaging with members of parliament, and is a fundraiser for the National Unity Government and the People's Defense Force. He frequently criticizes the anti-junta stance and urges boycotts on military-linked celebrities on his Facebook profile, Kyaw Kyaw Htay Lwin.
He has participated in film fundraisers, such as an event in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in January 2025, which screened films highlighting resistance to the 2021 military coup and raised funds for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Kyaw Thet Linn
Kyaw Thet Linn was a prominent news anchor and presenter for MRTV (Myanmar Radio and Television), the state-owned media outlet. Before the 2021 coup, MRTV was the primary source of official news and information in Myanmar.
Following the military coup on February 1, 2021, many civil servants, including those in state media, faced a crucial decision: continue working under the junta's control or join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Kyaw Thet Linn chose to join the Civil Disobedience Movement. This meant refusing to read propaganda news broadcast by the military regime. His decision to leave MRTV was a significant act of defiance.
He became a notable figure among those from state institutions who walked away from their jobs to protest the coup. This action directly undermined the junta's efforts to control information and maintain a facade of normalcy.
After joining the CDM, Kyaw Thet Linn aligned himself with the resistance groups opposing the military junta. Online discussions and reports (such as on Reddit) confirm that he moved to be with these groups, continuing his support for the revolution outside of official state media.
While specific details of his ongoing activities are not always publicly available for security reasons, like many other artists and public figures in CDM, he likely contributes to the movement through various means, which could include advocating for democracy, raising awareness, or participating in fundraising efforts for the resistance. His continued presence on platforms like YouTube, where he has live streams discussing current events, suggests he remains a public voice for the revolution.
His choice to abandon a visible and respected position in state media to side with the public against the coup made him a symbolic figure of resistance for many in Myanmar.
May Myat Noe
May Myat Noe, also known as That Htet Aung, was born on October 13, 1998, in Yangon, Myanmar. She is a prominent Burmese actress, fashion model, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained international recognition for winning Miss Asia Pacific World in 2014 and for being a finalist in the fourth season of Asia's Next Top Model in 2016, where she was the first representative from Myanmar to participate. She has also pursued a music career, releasing multiple singles and music videos.
May Myat Noe has been an active participant in the anti-coup movement in Myanmar, which began in early 2021 following the military coup. Her involvement is primarily through: She has utilized her social media platforms to express her opposition to the military coup.
May Myat Noe has actively taken part in the "We Want Justice" three-finger salute movement, a widely adopted symbol of resistance against the military regime. Many popular celebrities joined this social media movement.
Due to her vocal stance against the military coup and her participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), an arrest warrant was issued for her on April 4, 2021, under Section 505 (a) of the Myanmar Penal Code by the State Administration Council. This charge is typically leveled against those accused of "inciting" the public to disturb peace and stability, calling for participation in the CDM, or damaging the state's ability to govern.
She continues to be listed as a model, with her profile on Models.com stating she is "Based In. London. Nationality: Myanmar." and includes editorial work from 2022 for Harper's Bazaar Singapore and L'Officiel Singapore.
Director Ko Pauk
Director Ko Pauk is a prominent filmmaker in Myanmar. He has a notable filmography, including directing the 2018 comedy film "Baw Baw Ka Htaw" and the 2019 comedy-drama action film "LadyBoy." He also has a background as a scriptwriter and actor in the Myanmar film industry since 1998, and his films have been recognized as high-grossing box office successes.
Involvement in the Myanmar Spring Revolution Movement:
Ko Pauk has actively participated in the Myanmar Spring Revolution, which began in early 2021 in opposition to the military coup. Since the coup d'état on February 1, 2021, he has taken a defiant stand against the military junta, joining the front lines of protests. Due to his involvement, he is reportedly being sought by the military and has joined the People's Defense Force in the jungle, fighting to restore democracy in Myanmar.
His involvement in the revolution extends to his artistic work:
"The Road Not Taken" (2022): This short documentary film, directed and edited by Ko Pauk using an iPhone 11 Pro Max, tells the true story of an Army Captain who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. It was filmed amidst the conflict in the jungle with non-actors and aims to raise awareness and funds for the people suffering in Myanmar.
"Rays of Hope" (2023): This autobiographical documentary film chronicles Ko Pauk's life as an artist-turned-revolutionary during the civil war. It was screened internationally in Japan, the United States, and Australia, with the intention of raising funds for the Myanmar Spring Revolution.
Khar Ra
Khar Ra (ခါရာ), born Myo Htut Naing on October 21, 1993, in Mogok, Myanmar, is a Burmese actor, model, and singer. He gained significant recognition after starring in the 2018 film *Dimensions*. He is an alumnus of Dagon University.
Khar Ra has been involved in a total of 10 films and movies. Khar Ra has been actively involved in the Myanmar Spring Revolution, which commenced in early 2021 in response to the military coup. His participation aligns with a broader movement among artists and celebrities who have used their platforms to oppose the military junta. While specific details of his actions beyond general activism are not provided in the context, his public stance is evident.
Khar Ra has publicly urged China to stop meddling in Myanmar and to cease propping up the military junta. A YouTube video from The Irrawaddy, published on April 28, 2025, is titled: "Stop Meddling in Myanmar, Actor Khar Ra Urges China." The popular heartthrob calls on Beijing to stop propping up the junta and let the people of Myanmar determine their own future."
This clearly indicates his public denouncement of China's perceived support for the military regime in Myanmar. Many anti-military factions and activists in Myanmar have criticized China for its ties to the junta, accusing Beijing of backing the military to safeguard its economic interests and maintain regional stability.
Many figures like him have participated in protests, expressed dissent online, and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) which aims to disrupt the junta's ability to govern.
Dr. Soe Min
Dr. Soe Min is a general surgeon from Myanmar. Prior to the 2021 military coup, he practiced at a premier teaching hospital in Yangon and was a well-known blogger who shared medical knowledge and engaged in social activism on Facebook.
Dr. Soe Min has been a significant figure in the Myanmar Spring Revolution since the military coup on February 1, 2021.
Following the coup, he rushed to Hlaing Thar Yar hospital to help treat the wounded after a military crackdown, where he estimated close to a hundred people were killed. Soldiers prevented him and others from treating the injured. He was in charge of a large COVID care center in Yangon named Irrawaddy. The junta ordered this center shut down and persecuted doctors who treated COVID patients at private hospitals and clinics. When he blogged about these experiences, including the casualties in Hlaing Thar Yar and the denial of treatment to those opposing the regime, the junta began seeking him.
Rather than face imprisonment, Dr. Soe Min decided to continue serving Myanmar and the democracy movement through medicine. In June 2021, he escaped in disguise to northern Myanmar, eventually settling in Sezin village, a remote jungle area controlled by the Kachin Independence Army. He expanded his clinic into a small field hospital capable of performing surgeries, a necessity given the lack of nearby medical facilities. He was joined by nurses who had also fled for safety and initiated a program to train local people as medical assistants, some of whom became corpsmen for the People's Defense Force (PDF).
His blog, "Diaries from Camp Jang Geum," quickly gained a large following, making him a highly trusted influencer in Myanmar. His experiences and revolutionary aspirations are followed by millions and shared widely, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to helping the people of Myanmar despite the hardships.
Dr. Soe Min chose to remain in Myanmar to assist his people directly, rather than seeking political asylum abroad like some other influencers. He has built credibility through his independent work, reinforcing the perception that his efforts are solely for the people of Myanmar.