Matthew TORNE
World Premiere
The Hong Kongers' stories since the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, 2014. An epic in a mosaic of five stories examines the profitable result of the Umbrella Revolution and takes measures to bring a democratic transition to the social systems in Hong Kong. The film reminds us of the revolution not as a result but as a process for democratization.
The film reflects on the historical significance of Hong Kong¡¯s Umbrella Revolution which began in September 2014. For over two months, people demanded reforms to the Hong Kong electoral system through peaceful demonstrations where they used umbrellas as a tool for passive resistance to the police. Although it failed to achieve a freer election for Hong Kong¡¯s Chief Executive, the movement led to a political awakening for many, and the five Hong Kongers in the film are no exceptions. They are engaged in various activities to uphold the spirit of the revolution in daily life. For example, they examine the political autonomy and identity of Hong Kong as well as its economic inequality and contradictory legal system. At the same time, they share their opinions with others through media or on the streets. Some of them even take part in the 2016 Legislative Council election in an effort to expand the spirit of the Umbrella Revolution into the established system. The film argues that it's the process not the outcome of the revolution that matters. [LEE Dohoon]
Matthew TORNE
Lessons in Dissent (2014)
Cathay Pictures Ltd. matthew@torne.co.uk