The critically acclaimed documentary ‘Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law’ places the spotlight on Nathan Law, a former student leader of The Umbrella Revolution and a prominent figure on the Hong Kong’s fight for democracy.
‘Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law’ is set to open on Friday, September 20 in New York at Firehouse: DCTV’s Cinema for Documentary Film and Los Angeles at the Laemmle Monica Film Center with director Joe Piscatella and the subject of the documentary Nathan Law in attendance for QnA sessions on opening weekend in both cities. The documentary will also premiere on streaming on September 23, 2024 exclusively on PBS series POV.
‘Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law’ follows the shy college freshman, Nathan Law, as he discovers an identity in activism. As one of the organizers of a student strike demanding that Hong Kong be allowed to elect their own leader (something promised to them back in 1998), he leads five days of student boycotts with a message of peaceful civil disobedience. When the strike suddenly becomes The Umbrella Revolution, he is unexpectedly thrust into a leadership role that shuts down Hong Kong for 79 days and captures the attention of the world.
When the movement falters, Nathan is arrested and charged for his role in the Revolution, but his entire generation in Hong Kong has been now awoken. Riding the enthusiasm of the student movement he helped spark, he makes the impossible transition from protest leader to elected official, becoming the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong’s history where he continues his fight for democracy from inside the government.
Fearful of Nathan’s message gaining traction beyond students, the government disqualifies Nathan on a technicality and sends him to jail. As Hong Kong continues to see the erosion of its freedom, a new movement is launched. Whereas the Umbrella Revolution was driven by hope, this new movement is driven by desperation.
Nathan’s message of civil disobedience is overshadowed by a new generation of protestors who no longer feel that peaceful demonstrations can save Hong Kong. As Hong Kong descends into the biggest political crisis in modern Chinese history, Nathan must decide his role and his future.
“I was blown away by this incredible movement revolving around these extraordinary young people who had transformed from average teenagers to political leaders fighting for democracy,” said director Piscatella. “We knew we had to amplify this story to the rest of the world so that everyone would know what is going on, and hopefully inspire others to stand up for democracy. It has been an honor to have Nathan on the project so we can learn from his bravery and determination.”
“I am grateful for Joe and the team to have captured this story in such a stunning and intellectual way,” added Nathan Law. “As a political refugee living in the UK, I want people everywhere to understand that democracy is fragile and needs to be protected at all costs. With the world quickly changing at the moment, I also want people to be inspired to take action to make the world a better place than how we left it and give voice to democracy.”
The Hong Kong crew that was used throughout all filming in Hong Kong had to remain “anonymous” in order to protect their safety and the safety of their families. This crew included the DPs, gaffers, PAs and sound team. Some crew members gave only their first names and insisted on being paid in cash so there was no record of their involvement.
The documentary had its world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in 2023 where it received the Top 10 Audience Favorite.
Watch the trailer for Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law..