A companion to the film Taking Back the Legislature, Inside the Brick Wall is an inside account of the largely student protest of the passage of the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill and the resulting police siege at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University in November 2019. To ensure safety, the filmmakers remain anonymous and their faces are blurred. This startling international film reveals the violent encounters between the police and protesters, the harrowing attempts by students to escape the university, and the many emotions reflected on the faces of the protesters during the thirteen-day police siege.
On November 11, 2019, protesters begin Operation Dawn to protest the extradition bill for Hong Kong; they close off traffic to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the roads near Polytechnic University. Dramatic confrontations between the police and the protesters occur with the use of rubber bullets and tear gas. The students fight back with helmets, gas masks, goggles, and makeshift shields such as umbrellas. Journalists, with clearly marked yellow vests, and first aid responders are in the midst of the action.
After many clashes, debris and bricks lie everywhere in the streets. The students eventually retreat to Polytechnic University where riot police surround the campus. With considerable risk to themselves, the filmmakers capture many harrowing attempts to break through the police barricade.
This documentary covers the first few days of the event; however, the siege lasts thirteen days and finally lifts on November 29, 2019. According to the filmmakers, 1,377 individuals are arrested—with 318 of them under 18 years of age. Inside the Brick Wall is a vivid inside look at a protest to support democracy, told from the side of the protesters. Strong optional purchase for public and academic libraries.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Inside the Brick Wall is an educational documentary suitable for political science, sociology, criminal justice, and communications classes.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Inside the Brick Wall has Public Performance Rights included with the purchase of the DVD. $348 w/ PPR.