'Love in the Time of Revolution' captures the emotion of the Umbrella Revolution

I had the good fortune to see the ground breaking documentary film “Love in the Time of Revolution” before Christmas in Toronto at the Royal Theatre in Little Italy.  The documentary, which aired as part of the Human Rights weekend, was put on by The Torontian-HongKongers Action Group. The documentary film reveals the people behind the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, the friendships the protesters developed and the hardships they suffered and endured together, as they stood peacefully in defiance of an authoritarian government abusing its power.

Love in the Time of Revolution stirs memories of the 1930’s when authoritarianism reared its ugly face, robbing people of their human rights and often of their lives. It was a time when the human race teetered on the edge. And sadly, it was less than a hundred years ago. Which is why Love in the Time of Revolution is so important now that authoritarianism has reappeared. It reminds us of the importance of individual freedom. Of the importance of allowing people to live the life they choose. Like Ukraine, Hong Kong is a canary-in-a-coal-mine for democracy. 

Love in the Time of Revolution captures the emotion of the Umbrella Revolution subtly and without comment. It doesn't need to be in your face because the events speak for themselves. The participants actions and conduct speak for themselves. 

I found the contrast between the Hong Kong youth and adults to be particularly interesting. The adults were less engage and some even showed signs of fear of speaking out. The Hong Kong youth on the other hand went boldly into the night. Perhaps naively, but with passion and love for each other. It was very moving to witness even from afar years afterward. 

Film Director Twinkle Ngan spoke with the audience after the show via Google live streaming. He explained that his mother is pro-Chinese government. And, while he wasn’t on any side when he started filming, he felt he needed to learn more about why other Hong Kong youth were so passionate about opposing the autocratic rule of Hong Kong’s pro-Chinese government.

The more he got into it, the more he realized how important it was to be documenting what was transpiring. And now, after having to smuggle his raw film out of Hong Kong and being forced to hide outside of Hong Kong throughout the editing process, he has gained a very unique perspective of the tyranny police states can inflict on their people and anyone who opposes their regime.  Ngan's personal journey reflects that of the many protestors he wanted to learn more about. Through his journey, Ngan went from a 'concerned young person', to becoming an 'activist' and now a 'revolutionary'. 

What Director Twinkles Ngan witnessed and experienced personally is captured for eternity and poetically retold in this very moving and emotional film. You don’t have to be from Hong Kong to identify with the protesters and their desire to live in a just-society. It captures the heart and soul of the Umbrella Revolution and of the people of Hong Kong.

This documentary film deserves accolades and awards. I recommend it to anyone who is concerned about human rights and the rising threat of authoritarianism around the world. Or anyone who likes real, human interest stories.

—James O'Grady