In early 2019, a bill was introduced that would allow the extradition of certain Hong Kong criminal suspects to mainland China. The outcome of this legislation would effectively jeopardize the autonomy Hong Kong people have long enjoyed. Fearing a dire new reality that would lead to unjust persecution, people took to the streets to persuade the government to withdraw the bill. Protests continue to spread as the government continues to be reluctant to take any meaningful action. These conscientious citizens were embroiled in often violent showdowns with the police during six months of intense public protests.
Protests continued even after the government promised to withdraw the bill. By this point, protesters’ grievances have outgrown their original mission. People are now fighting to end systemic police brutality, amnesty for detained protesters, and to shed the label of “thugs.”
Ongoing demonstrations brought the city to an alarming standstill for months. Protesters mysteriously disappeared and were said to be dead. Police are said to have fired into the crowd. Law enforcement officials also accused protesters of extreme violence, including stabbings, shootings and burnings.
The struggle culminated in one of the costliest demonstrations in the region’s history – a series of clashes on the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus.
Burn with Us does not provide talking heads or academic commentary on these events. Instead, the film puts viewers in the shoes of these protesters as they strategize, band together, and engage in endless anti-law enforcement standoffs. Thousands of people have gathered in polluted streets, airport terminals and college campuses, hoping their voices will draw sympathy from those in power.
Film cameras capture every vibrant and tragic turn. It was a scene of horrific sirens, clouds of tear gas and burning streets. Viewers will experience the horror of those who may lose their lives in the struggle for a better life.
Directed by: Joshua S. Bischof
