Movies: MA – Cry of Silence (2024) by The Maw Naing

“MA – Cry of Silence” (international title) is a 2024 drama film directed by The Maw Naing. The story centers around Mi-Thet, an 18-year-old woman working in a textile factory in Yangon, Myanmar. She faces wage issues and finds herself involved in a strike organized by her colleagues, which brings back memories of past trauma. As she learns more about the political situation in her country, she decides to take action.

Mi-Thet, a garment factory worker in Yangon, grapples with unfair wages. Nyein-Nyein, a fellow worker, takes the lead in organizing a strike for better conditions. Initially hesitant to join due to past traumatic experiences, Mi-Thet is eventually spurred to action after an emergency arises. The film also touches upon the broader political unrest in Myanmar, with Mi-Thet finding a mentor in Ko-Tun, a former student leader, who makes her aware of the recurring cycles of political events in the country.

The Maw Naing aimed to merge class conflicts with the ongoing protest against the military junta in Myanmar. The film is inspired by real-life women-led factory uprisings that occurred in 2012 and reflects the daily struggles and exploitation faced by textile workers in Myanmar amidst political turmoil. He also incorporates poetic voice-over reflections on the state of Myanmar and its future.

• Labor Rights and Exploitation: The film highlights the harsh realities of working conditions in textile factories and the fight for fair wages and better treatment.

• Political Oppression and Resistance: Set against the backdrop of political unrest in Myanmar, the film explores themes of resistance against authoritarian rule and the impact of the military junta on ordinary citizens.

• Trauma and Empowerment: Mi-Thet’s initial reluctance to join the strike due to past trauma and her eventual decision to act showcase a journey towards empowerment and finding her voice.

• Solidarity and Collective Action: The organization of the strike emphasizes the power of unity and collective action in challenging injustice.

• Politicization of the Apolitical: The film depicts the gradual awakening of Mi-Thet and her colleagues to the broader political issues affecting their lives, highlighting the necessity of becoming politically aware.

• Timely and Relevant Story: The film tackles pressing issues of labor exploitation and political oppression in Myanmar, which resonates with current global concerns.

• Authenticity: Being inspired by real events and featuring the struggles of garment factory workers likely lends authenticity to the narrative.

• Strong Central Character: Mi-Thet’s journey of finding her voice amidst adversity can be a compelling focal point for audiences.

• International Co-production: Collaboration with multiple countries (Myanmar, South Korea, France, Norway, Qatar, Singapore) might have brought diverse perspectives and resources to the project.

• Festival Recognition: Winning the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival and being nominated at other festivals indicates a strong critical reception and potential for wider recognition.

“MA – Cry of Silence” portrays a young garment factory worker in Myanmar who becomes involved in a strike for better wages while navigating the country’s turbulent political landscape, ultimately finding her voice against oppression.

The film has received several awards and nominations, including:

• Winner: New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival (2024)

• Nominee: Golden Star for Best Feature Film at the Marrakech International Film Festival (2024)

• Nominee: Best Film (Lotus Award Competition) at the Bangkok World Film Festival (2024)

• Winner: Special Mention at the Bangkok World Film Festival (2024)

• Nominee: New Talent Award at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (2024)

• Nominee: Golden Hanoman Award (Main Competition) at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (2024)

• Official Selection: Göteborg Film Festival (2025)

Critics have generally responded positively to “MA – Cry of Silence.”

• Screen Daily: Allan Hunter described it as a “punchy, heartfelt drama” that reflects the daily reality of life in Myanmar through the exploitation of a young textile worker. He noted the film effectively merges the personal story with the broader political unrest.

• The Film Verdict: Clarence Tsui called it a “riveting cri du coeur about life under authoritarian rule in Myanmar,” seen through the struggles of factory workers against abusive employers.

• Cinema Express: The film is praised for presenting an “unvarnished and unpleasant” truth about the struggles of the labor class in the context of Myanmar’s political turmoil, highlighting themes of injustice, exploitation, solidarity, and the politicization of the apolitical.

The reviews highlight the film’s strength in portraying the difficult circumstances faced by garment workers in Myanmar and its effective weaving of personal struggles with the larger political backdrop. The performances, particularly of the lead actress Su Lay, have been noted. The film is considered a powerful and timely commentary on social and political issues in the country.

The film is a co-production involving Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore, France, Norway, and Qatar. It is The Maw Naing’s second solo feature film. The production aimed for realism by focusing on the experiences of garment factory workers and reflecting the political climate in Myanmar.

• One Point Zero (Myanmar)

• Plus Point One (South Korea)

• Massala (Likely France, based on other co-production credits)

• Protocol (Likely Singapore, given co-production country)

• DUOfilm (Norway)

• Alpha Violet Production (France)

Alpha Violet (France) is listed as the world sales agent for the film.

• Theatrical Release: The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2024 and has been showcased at other festivals like the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024 and the Göteborg Film Festival in January 2025. Wider theatrical release dates would likely be announced following further distribution agreements.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Provides Insight into a Critical Global Issue: The film sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of garment workers and the impact of political instability on their lives.

• A Powerful Human Story: The journey of Mi-Thet from reluctance to activism is emotionally resonant and inspiring.

• Critically Acclaimed: The film has received positive reviews and recognition at international film festivals, indicating its quality and impact.

• Offers a Glimpse into Myanmar’s Reality: It provides a nuanced portrayal of life under authoritarian rule and the resilience of its people.

• To Understand the Human Cost of Fast Fashion: The film likely offers a perspective on the working conditions behind the global textile industry.

• To Learn About the Political Situation in Myanmar: It provides a narrative window into the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in the country.

• To Witness a Story of Empowerment: Mi-Thet’s transformation is a testament to the power of individual and collective action.

• To Support Independent and International Cinema: Watching such films contributes to a more diverse and globally aware cinematic landscape.

What Movie Trend film is following:

• Socially Conscious Cinema: The film aligns with the trend of cinema that addresses social and political issues, aiming to raise awareness and spark dialogue about important global challenges.

• International Independent Cinema: It falls under the umbrella of independent cinema from international filmmakers telling stories specific to their cultural and political contexts.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Increased Focus on Labor Rights: Globally, there is a growing awareness and activism surrounding labor rights and fair working conditions in various industries, including garment manufacturing. This film taps into this trend.

• Awareness of Political and Human Rights Crises: With ongoing political turmoil in various parts of the world, including Myanmar, there is an increased global awareness and concern for human rights and democratic values.

“MA – Cry of Silence” is a compelling and timely film that effectively blends a personal story of a young garment worker with the larger sociopolitical context of Myanmar. Its critical acclaim and festival recognition underscore its powerful narrative and thoughtful execution. This film is a significant contribution to socially conscious cinema and offers valuable insights into pressing global issues.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Continue to Tell Underrepresented Stories: Explore narratives from regions and communities whose voices are often unheard in mainstream cinema.

• Integrate Social Commentary with Personal Narratives: Effectively weaving personal experiences with broader social and political themes can create impactful and relatable stories.

• Collaborate Internationally: Seek co-production opportunities to gain diverse perspectives and resources, enriching the filmmaking process and reaching wider audiences.

• Use Cinema for Advocacy and Awareness: Films like this demonstrate the power of the medium to shed light on critical global issues and inspire change.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Films with Social Relevance: Recognize and promote films that engage with important social and political issues, even if they are not commercially mainstream.

• Facilitate Distribution for International Independent Films: Ensure that films from diverse cultural backgrounds have access to wider audiences through distribution platforms and theatrical releases.

• Recognize and Celebrate New Voices in Cinema: Provide platforms and awards for emerging filmmakers who offer unique perspectives and challenge conventional storytelling.

• Engage in Meaningful Dialogue: Use films like “MA – Cry of Silence” as opportunities to foster discussions about labor rights, political oppression, and other critical social issues within the industry and with audiences.