The documentary Revolution of Our Times, directed by Hong Kong’s Kiwi Chow, is the story, perhaps even the standard-bearer, of a spectacular and insolent rebellion which lasted throughout the second half of 2019, in Hong Kong, and which was ultimately extinguished by repression police than by the health control measures imposed by the appearance of Covid-19, at the beginning of 2020. The events caused a historic acceleration of Beijing’s control over its “special administrative region”.
Since its world premiere at Cannes in July 2021 – the organizers had kept its release secret until the last minute to avoid the wrath of the Chinese authorities – the film has been shown at the Tokyo Filmex international film festival in November 2021 and in Taipei, at 58and Golden Horse Festival, where it won the Golden Horse for Best Documentary. Revolution of Our Times also won the Grand Prix Impact 2022 at the Fipadoc international documentary festival in Biarritz earlier this year.
From the perspective of the Chinese authorities, the film’s flaws begin with its title, borrowed from a longer political slogan Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time, described as subversive by the local courts. “For brandishing or simply uttering this slogan, several activists have already received heavy prison sentences [sous la nouvelle loi draconienne de sécurité nationale imposée le 30 juin 2020]says Kiwi Chow at World. The title alone already makes my film illegal [en Chine et à Hongkong]. »
Word of mouth and success
“After the launch in Cannes, we really thought we were going to find strong distribution networks, whether it was online platforms or traditional distribution. But, was it under pressure from China or for some other reason, it didn’t work…” notes Kiwi Chow. What was initially a “real disappointment” is, however, changing “with great joy”. Because it is the new Hong Kong diaspora, which was created as a result of the movement, which has taken it upon itself to spread it wherever it can. “For us, this is the best way to continue our fight. In Hong Kong, it is no longer possible to demonstrate. But broadcasting the film abroad is a new form of commitment in the service of the same cause,” says Alie, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Kiwi Chow, director: “I wanted to highlight the revolutionary aspects of this popular revolt, which truly innovated and invented new ways of rebelling”
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