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Blue Island (dir. Chan Tze-woon)

The ’blue’ in Blue Island is the colour of melancholy reflection—specifically, reflection on the political unrest that has engulfed Hong Kong since the 2014 Umbrella Movement. Bringing together four young participants in the 2019 Anti Extradition Law Amendment protests, and three older islanders with their own history of resistance to both Chinese Communist and British Colonial rule, director Chan Tze-woon uses dramatic re-enactment to explore these distinct yet connected experiences of exile, rebellion, and imprisonment across generations.

The result is a profoundly moving documentary about Hong Kong’s past and future, and what it means to be a Hong Konger.

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation

‘Shows how Hong Kong residents have redefined themselves over time... It is impossible to watch Blue Island without admiring their courage’ — The New York Times

‘A sophisticated and nuanced exploration’ — Hyperallergic

Certification: 12A. Duration: 98 minutes. Cantonese with English subtitles