Hong Kong documentary film “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust” had its premiere in Taiwan on May 1st, with the director, Liu Jian Lun, who is currently in exile in the UK, attending a post-screening forum in Taiwan. During an interview with The Epoch Times, Liu urged the people of Hong Kong not to forget their original intention of resisting the Chinese Communist Party when they took to the streets in 2019.
Having worked in Hong Kong for over 18 years in the field of filmmaking and documentary production, director Liu Jian Lun shared with The Epoch Times that he spent three years documenting the entire anti-extradition movement in 2019 as an independent journalist. He captured numerous scenes of Hong Kong people’s protests and, in 2021, relocated to the UK with over a thousand hours of footage. Over the following two years, he compiled and edited these materials into a 114-minute documentary, “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust.”
Addressing the question of the message he intended to convey through “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust,” Liu Jian Lun explained that with the passage of six years since the start of the anti-extradition movement in Hong Kong, many people, especially Hongkongers, might have begun to forget or overlook its significance. He expressed his hope that this film would serve as a reminder to Hong Kong residents and global audiences, prompting them to revisit this chapter of Hong Kong’s history and not lose sight of their initial aspirations. By remembering why they dispersed to different countries and embracing the values of the people of Hong Kong, Liu emphasized the importance of staying true to their principles.
The documentary “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust” depicts the transition of Hong Kong from the 1997 handover to China to the enactment of the National Security Law, focusing on the events surrounding the 2019 anti-extradition movement. Liu Jian Lun highlighted the stark instances of police brutality witnessed during the protests, showcasing the historical events that unfolded in Hong Kong.
Reflecting on the changes in Hong Kong’s freedoms, which were once enjoyed by its residents, Liu Jian Lun lamented the rapid erosion of these liberties following the rapid consolidation of power by the authoritarian regime within a year. Despite the apparent decline of Hong Kong’s status as the “Pearl of the Orient,” he firmly believes that the indomitable spirit of the people of Hong Kong remains undiminished.
In Liu Jian Lun’s view, the resilience of the Hong Kong people was demonstrated during the 2019 anti-extradition movement, where two million individuals took to the streets in protest. This collective spirit, captured in the essence of “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust,” perpetuates a sense of hope and determination among the Hong Kong populace.
The title of the film “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust” is derived from a line of poetry by American writer Jack London, symbolizing the choice to burn brilliantly like a shooting star rather than fade away silently like decaying wood. Liu Jian Lun emphasized that the dispersal of Hongkongers across the globe serves to plant the seeds of their resistance in different regions, ensuring the continuation of their ideals for future generations.
Quoting from the Dao De Jing, Liu Jian Lun referred to the principle of being “as good as water.” He stressed the importance of adopting the “be water” mentality during the 2019 protest, advocating for peaceful, rational, and non-violent means of resistance against the authoritarian regime. This adaptive approach, akin to the fluid nature of water, represents an effective strategy employed by the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for freedom.
Continuing the spirit of resistance against the Communist Party, Liu Jian Lun invoked the phrase “endure longer.” Expressing his unwavering belief in the eventual demise of oppressive regimes and the triumph of the people, he urged perseverance and unwavering commitment to the ideals that fueled the anti-extradition movement. He envisioned a future where Hongkongers could once again live freely in their city, continuing the struggle until that day arrives.
The Asia premiere screening of “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust” kicked off in Taiwan in June. Liu Jian Lun expressed his dream of showcasing the film in Taiwan finally coming to fruition. Following the conclusion of the premiere, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, with several spectators passionately chanting slogans in support of the Hong Kong protests. The emotional response from the audience deeply moved Liu.
Emphasizing the need for Taiwan to remain vigilant against Chinese Communist infiltration, Liu Jian Lun urged Taiwanese citizens to understand the events of the 2019 protests in Hong Kong and draw lessons from the experiences of Hongkongers. Referring to banners seen during the 2019 demonstrations with the inscription “Yesterday Tibet, Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow is Taiwan,” he cautioned against the encroachment of authoritarian influence from China, stressing the importance of safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic values.
Drawing parallels between Hong Kong’s past position and Taiwan’s current circumstances in relation to mainland China, Liu Jian Lun highlighted the necessity for Taiwan to reflect critically on the threat of Chinese Communist penetration. As someone who actively participated in peaceful protests as an ordinary Hongkonger and independent journalist, Liu shared his personal challenges and the impact of his involvement on his life, which ultimately led to his separation from family and eventual departure from Hong Kong.
During the production of “Rather Be Ashes Than Dust,” Liu Jian Lun acknowledged experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traveling globally to screen the documentary and engage in discussions about Hong Kong’s recent history helped him confront and release the internal stress caused by traumatic events. By sharing this historical narrative of the 2019 anti-extradition movement in Hong Kong, Liu aimed to raise awareness among viewers regarding Hong Kong’s struggle against Communist rule, especially highlighting the yearning for freedom and the spirit of resistance among Hongkongers.