Freedom of expression can be eliminated suddenly, with the passage of one law – as happened recently in Hong Kong after 20 years of Chinese rule. A national security law enacted in 2020 prohibited criticism of the government and even a hint of political satire: It includes a long list of words and slogans, gestures and body movements, and songs and artworks that are banned from public spaces.

Director San San F. Young lived through this and documented artists’ attempts to fight back against their silencing. She recorded hip-hop artists shouting “prohibited” words, dancers performing “illegal” moves, and other forms of artistic protest. At the same time, the film conveys the increasingly dark mood in the streets and the silent majority’s reluctant acceptance of this lack of freedom. What about the young, brave, rebellious artists? They have no choice but to leave, says the director of this impressive film about the power – or lack thereof – of art to defy oppressive regimes.