Never before had it been possible to film the social conflict and protests of the 21st century with a formal proposal that would capture the world of the digital age with all its nuances and paradoxes. The collective of anonymous filmmakers Hong Kong Documentary Filmmakers manages to make us experience first-hand the clashes at the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong in November 2019. The roller coaster of emotions from the editing is at the same level as that of big action films and it won the award for best editing at IDFA 2020.

Students faced abuse of power during 13 days of gruelling siege. Music was an amazing weapon used by both students and police forces, young people fired the “Fuck the popo” trap track at full blast and the police responded by playing two pop songs, “Surrounded” and “Ambush From Ten Sides”. Despite being surrounded by police and feeling trapped inside the university’s red brick building, the red brick wall, students did their best to keep the protest alive. Their innovative fighting tactics became a milestone in contemporary history far beyond Hong Kong.

The film's Hong Kong release has been cancelled by authorities on the grounds that it could violate the National Security Act imposed by Beijing in June 2020.

DocsBarcelona Panorama Section, supported by ARTE