Screening of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower

Sunday, 24 May 2026 | 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Price Family Cinema, Accolade East Building, Keele Campus, York University

A 2017 documentary about Joshua Wong, a teenager who rallies Hong Kong youth in dissent during the 2014 Hong Kong Occupy Movement.

The documentary follows the activism of Joshua Wong, a young political leader from Hong Kong, as he rises to prominence while leading youth protests against the Chinese government. The film is set against the backdrop of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, where Joshua and thousands of Hong Kong citizens fought to preserve the city's democratic freedoms. The film chronicles Joshua's journey from his early involvement as a teenager in Scholarism, a student activist group that successfully opposed Beijing's attempt to impose a pro-Chinese "national education" curriculum in Hong Kong schools, to his leadership role in the broader fight for universal suffrage.

Joshua's activism becomes a symbol of resistance against China's increasing control over Hong Kong. As China reneges on its promise of political autonomy, Joshua mobilizes his peers and leads massive peaceful protests to demand free elections. The documentary highlights not only Joshua's leadership but also the political tensions in Hong Kong as it grapples with the pressures from mainland China. The film portrays Joshua as a resilient figure, embodying the aspirations of a generation fighting for democracy against overwhelming odds, and sheds light on the power of youth-led movements and the complexities of Hong Kong's political landscape.

The screening is presented with English and Chinese subtitles.

Watch the trailer at this link.

Please register using this link.

The event is organized by the Toronto Association for Democracy in China (TADC) and co-presented by the Hong Kong Studies Group at York University.