Five days ago filmmaker Joshua S. Bischof (Produced by Oliver Gelleni from Cockroach studios.) released a full-length independent documentary called Burn with Us about the Hong Kong’s protests on Vimeo and Youtube. Now for us to watch in full length for free.
Background
Hong Kong’s protests started in June 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China. Critics feared this could undermine judicial independence and endanger dissidents. Until 1997, Hong Kong was ruled by Britain as a colony but then returned to China. Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, it has some autonomy, and its people more rights. The bill was withdrawn in September but demonstrations continue and now demand full democracy and an inquiry into police actions. Clashes between police and activists have become increasingly violent, with police firing live bullets and protesters attacking officers and throwing petrol bombs.
The extradition bill which triggered the first protest was introduced in April 2019. It would have allowed for criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China under certain circumstances. Opponents said this risked exposing Hongkongers to unfair trials and violent treatment. They also argued the bill would give China greater influence over Hong Kong and could be used to target activists and journalists. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.
After weeks of protests, leader Carrie Lam eventually said the bill would be suspended indefinitely.
The premise of the documentary
In November, 2019, the streets of Hong Kong became a battleground between citizens and police. Following months of anti government protests, “Burn With Us” takes you to the streets to explore the escalation of violence in the city.
On VIMEO on April, 10, 2020.
It’s something else, you get transported into the front lines of the protests in Hong Kong, and don’t even realize how much danger you’re in until its already too late. At times you get confused and feel lost, and it works really well with what the movie is trying to tell you. It’s absolute chaos in Hong Kong. A ride of goosebumps and disbelief, well worth watching more then once! – Kfunk
Watch full film below: