Documentary Director Pe Maung Same: A Legacy of Art and Resilience
Pe Maung Same, a prominent Myanmar documentary filmmaker, was known for his profound storytelling and dedication to artistic documentary filmmaking. He created numerous impactful works, including documentaries and short films developed through the Yangon Film School. Among his notable productions was "The River Our Ayeyarwaddy (2013)", which examined the significance of the Ayeyarwaddy River to Myanmar’s people and culture. Another significant work was "No Laughing Matter", a documentary released in 2023, which delved into the life of cartoonist U Pe Thein, Pe Maung Same’s father. The documentary gained widespread acclaim upon release.
Despite facing imprisonment, Pe Maung Same continued to contribute to his art while held in Loikaw prison. During his incarceration, he wrote poetry, created cartoons, and authored a satirical essay criticizing the military dictatorship’s film censorship system. He was also involved in drafting and editing political prisoners’ fiction works.
On May 28, 2022, Pe Maung Same was arrested arbitrarily in Loikaw city, Karenni State. During his detention, he endured torture, and his health deteriorated significantly due to a lack of proper medical treatment. He fell seriously ill in August 2024 but was released from prison on August 16. Tragically, just three days after his release, he died on August 19, 2024, while receiving medical care.
Following his death, friends and fellow filmmakers established the Pe Maung Same Fund in his honor. The fund aims to support young filmmakers and aspiring artists, providing annual grants to foster the creation of humane and artistic documentaries—a cause Pe Maung Same passionately championed throughout his life.
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