Exclusive International Streaming Premiere! As we witness an alarming rise in Anti-Asian hate and violence, get inspired to take action with this vital look at the history of activism in San Francisco's historic Chinatown.

At the height of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1960s, a young San Francisco Chinatown resident turned his 16mm camera on his neighbourhood, and the young activists rattling its once quiet streets by publicly defying the conservative views of their elders. Harry Chuck's exquisite footage—spanning three generations of demonstrations and protests—would capture a divided community’s fight for self determination, and what would come to be known as the Asian American Movement. 45 years later, with the help of his son Josh, Harry's personal treasure trove is resurrected alongside timely interviews with some of the pioneering Chinatown activists who recall what it means to be on the frontlines of social change.

Featuring a special post-screening Q&A with co-directors Harry and Josh Chuck, moderated by documentary filmmaker and activist Min Sook Lee, Associate Professor at OCAD University.

Promotional Partner: Reel Asian International Film Festival

While this film is presented free of charge, if you wish to extend your support, please consider a donation of $10 in recognition of the value of the work presented, and in honour of Viola Desmond, featured on the $10 banknote, at checkout. Half the proceeds will be shared directly with the filmmakers, who also receive screening fees. For this screening, Hot Docs will donate the other half to the Chinese Canadian National Council For Social Justice (CCNC-SJ). If you wish to donate directly to the CCNC-SJ directly, please click here. 

For Viola is supported by

The film will be available for 48 hours from when you start the stream. Please note streaming is only possible from inside Canada. Need assistance? Visit our FAQ page or email us at streamingsupport@hotdocs.ca.