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A Burmese photographer fled his country and left everything behind — now he needs your help

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By Staff | Photographs by Hong Sar

A Chin woman from Burma crying as she prays to their god at a temple on the top of a mountain in Chin state, Burma, on Dec. 22, 2014. Ethnic minorities in Burma have long suffered under military rule, and the Chin are among the most persecuted, also facing discrimination in neighboring India. (Hong Sar)
A Chin woman from Burma crying as she prays to their god at a temple on the top of a mountain in Chin state, Burma, on Dec. 22, 2014. Ethnic minorities in Burma have long suffered under military rule, and the Chin are among the most persecuted, also facing discrimination in neighboring India. (Hong Sar)
People dancing wearing face masks on May 17, 2018, during the LGBT Day event held by an organization in Yangon, Burma. (Hong Sar)
People dancing wearing face masks on May 17, 2018, during the LGBT Day event held by an organization in Yangon, Burma. (Hong Sar)
A man rides an old elephant on the way to base camp at Kachin State, Burma, on Oct. 30, 2017. Kachin state is rich in natural resources include gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, amber, jade, crystal, coal, and wood. Most of natural resources from Kachin state are smuggled illegally into bordering China.
A man rides an old elephant on the way to base camp at Kachin State, Burma, on Oct. 30, 2017. Kachin state is rich in natural resources include gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, amber, jade, crystal, coal, and wood. Most of natural resources from Kachin state are smuggled illegally into bordering China.
A Burmese salt worker carrying a heavy salt basket from the salt field near the beach of Mon state, Thaphyuzayet township, Burma, on May 6, 2016. (Hong Sar)
A Burmese salt worker carrying a heavy salt basket from the salt field near the beach of Mon state, Thaphyuzayet township, Burma, on May 6, 2016. (Hong Sar)
A woman from India performing the traditional dance of her country during an event for diplomacy between Burma and India in Yangon, on May 3, 2016. (Hong Sar)
A woman from India performing the traditional dance of her country during an event for diplomacy between Burma and India in Yangon, on May 3, 2016. (Hong Sar)
The president of the United States Barack Obama attending to the 25th ASEAN Summit meeting held in Naypyidaw, Burma, on Nov. 12, 2014. (Hong Sar)
The president of the United States Barack Obama attending to the 25th ASEAN Summit meeting held in Naypyidaw, Burma, on Nov. 12, 2014. (Hong Sar)

Postindustrial CEO and Editor-in-Chief Kim Palmiero met Hong Sar last year and was amazed by his tale and breadth of work experience photographing impactful moments like LGBTQ protests in Myanmar (which he still refers to by its previous name “Burma”) and the historic arrival of President Obama, both depicted, among other stunning images in this slideshow. 

Moe Khaing (Hong Sar) is a photojournalist and multimedia reporter from Burma.

Since the Burmese military took power by coup on Feb 1, 2021, Hong Sar and his family had to flee and leave everything behind, including his camera. He and his family have started a new life in Pittsburgh and he is working to re-establish his career as a photographer and videographer. 

To do this, he needs a new camera. We hope you will consider contributing, here.

When you help Hong Sar reach his goal, you’re helping to ensure his talent does not go to waste. Postindustrial plans to feature more of his outstanding work in the future, new photos chronicling his new life in Postindustrial America and the stories of others. 

So do what you can to help Hong Sar reach his goal. And be sure to share his story on your respective social media. 

We really appreciate it. 

-Team Postindustrial

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