URGENT UPDATE: On November 10, 2023, the HongKonger Community Center in Castro Valley, California, hosted a significant event in collaboration with Amnesty International to mark the 10th anniversary of the impactful film “Ten Years.” This gathering highlighted the ongoing struggle for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, drawing nearly 100 attendees from across California.
The event featured a screening of the award-winning film followed by a panel discussion that brought attention to the dire situation of Hong Kong’s political prisoners. Organizers urged the international community to maintain support for Hong Kong’s fight against repression, emphasizing the critical need for continued advocacy.
Released in 2015, “Ten Years” is a groundbreaking anthology of five short films directed by various Hong Kong filmmakers, each offering a chilling vision of the city’s future under increasing control from Beijing. A decade later, many attendees reflected on how the reality of life in Hong Kong has surpassed the film’s most dystopian predictions.
The panelists passionately discussed the current state of affairs in Hong Kong, sharing personal stories and testimonies that resonated deeply with attendees. “What we imagined as fiction has become a tragic reality for many,” one panelist remarked. The emotional weight of their messages underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for ongoing global awareness and action.
This event not only commemorated the anniversary of “Ten Years” but also served as a rallying cry for continued support for the freedom of Hong Kong. Attendees left inspired to amplify their voices and advocate for those who cannot.
As tensions continue to rise in Hong Kong, the fight for democracy remains crucial. The HongKonger community in California is determined to keep the conversation alive and push for international solidarity.
What’s next? The community plans to hold further events aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the issues facing Hong Kong today. Officials and activists alike stress that the global response is vital in ensuring that the plight of those in Hong Kong does not fade into silence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong continues to unfold.
