|
|
|
“WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW?”
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FROM DIRECTOR JOE PISCATELLA WILL PREMIERE ON SEPT. 20TH IN THEATERS IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES
NEW YORK, NY (Monday, August 19, 2024) – The critically acclaimed documentary WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW? Is set to open in theaters beginning Friday, September 20 in New York at Firehouse: DCTV's Cinema for Documentary Film and Los Angeles at the Laemmle Monica Film Center.
The film’s director Joe Piscatella and the main participant Nathan Law will be in person at select Q&A screenings on opening weekend in both cities.
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.
The film’s director Joe Piscatella and the main participant Nathan Law will be in person at select Q&A screenings on opening weekend in both cities.
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.”
WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW? Is directed/written/produced by Joe Piscatella. The film was produced by Matthew Torne, p.g.a, Mark Rinehart, p.g.a, and Andrew Duncan. Executive Produced by Elizabeth H. Weatherman.The film is edited by Matthew Sultan with original music by Christopher H. Knight.
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.
WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW? received the Top 10 Audience Favorite at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in 2023. In addition to the theatrical release, the film will launch its streaming premiere on September 23, 2024 exclusively on PBS series POV https://www.pbs.org/pov/films/nathanlawfilm/ .
“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.”
WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW? Is directed/written/produced by Joe Piscatella. The film was produced by Matthew Torne, p.g.a, Mark Rinehart, p.g.a, and Andrew Duncan. Executive Produced by Elizabeth H. Weatherman.The film is edited by Matthew Sultan with original music by Christopher H. Knight.
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.
WHO’S AFRAID OF NATHAN LAW? received the Top 10 Audience Favorite at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in 2023. In addition to the theatrical release, the film will launch its streaming premiere on September 23, 2024 exclusively on PBS series POV https://www.pbs.org/pov/films/nathanlawfilm/ .
Ready for reliable and friendly service in a towing company? Combined with competitive rates? Call Force 1 Towing and Auto Body in Catasauqua at 610-266-6721