When a City Rises is a documentary film that provides an intimate and nuanced look at the youth-led pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The film follows three young activists from different walks of life as they navigate the challenges and risks of protesting against the Chinese government's encroachment on Hong Kong's autonomy.
The first activist we meet is a 21-year-old university student named Joey. Joey is a fierce and articulate advocate for democracy who, despite her youth, has already experienced police brutality and arrest. She is a member of the student union and has taken a leading role in organizing demonstrations and spreading the message of the movement on social media.
The second activist we meet is a teenage couple, Jack and Emily. Jack is a high school student who was initially apolitical but became radicalized after witnessing police violence during a protest. He met Emily, a university student, at a demonstration and the two quickly fell in love. Together, they have joined the fight for democracy and regularly attend rallies and marches. They are acutely aware of the risks they are taking, especially given their age and the fact that they are not yet financially independent.
The third activist we meet is a young father named Kam. Kam runs a small business in Hong Kong and was initially hesitant to get involved in politics. However, after witnessing the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and the brutal repression of the protests, he felt compelled to act. He worries about the future of his young daughter in a city that seems to be heading towards authoritarianism.
Through their stories, When a City Rises provides a powerful and moving portrait of the brave young people who are risking their lives to fight for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. The film captures both the hope and the despair of a movement that has faced incredible odds but continues to cling to the belief that change is possible.