Hong Kong film on 2019 protests wins prize for best documentary at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards

Hong Kong director Kiwi Chow Kwun-wai’s 2½-hour documentary Revolution of Our Times, which takes its title from a widely used protest slogan, records how frontline demonstrators operated on the ground during months of unrest that became increasingly violent.

Chow previously told the Post the film would not be screened in Hong Kong, publicly or underground, because he did not want to risk the safety of his team, interviewees and cinema operators.

While none of the local film crew was present at the awards ceremony in Taipei, the slogan “Hong Kong add oil” could be heard from the crowd.

Chow accepted the award in a pre-recorded video message and said he dedicated the film to “Hongkongers who have a conscience, justice and who have cried for Hong Kong”.

“I cried many times when making the film and many times I found comfort, vented my anger and hatred, and faced my fear and trauma through this film,” the 42-year-old director said.

“To those who have remained in Hong Kong, myself included,” he said, choking back tears, “and to those to have emigrated overseas, or those who are in prison, even though you may not have the opportunity to see the film, I really pray to God that the mere existence of this film can give you solace and an embrace.”

Chow’s documentary was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in July and he later sold the copyright of the work to protect himself from any legal backlash.