Hooligan Sparrow (2016)

In the pulsating heart of southern China's Hainan Province, a fierce battle for justice unfolds. Courageous filmmaker Nanfu Wang immerses herself in the gripping saga of audacious activist Ye Haiyan, known as Hooligan Sparrow. She and her fearless band of advocates rally against the horrifying sexual abuse of six innocent elementary school girls by their principal. However, their righteous crusade quickly marks them as enemies of the state, ensnaring them in a web of relentless government surveillance, intense interrogation, and ruthless harassment. Sparrow, a firebrand who rose to prominence through her passionate advocacy for the rights of sex workers, refuses to back down. She harnesses the potent reach of social media to voice her unwavering support for the rights of girls and women. In the shadow of the state's oppressive gaze, Wang becomes a comrade-in-arms, matching Sparrow's resolve with her own daring determination. Despite facing intimidation and the destruction of her equipment, she continues to document the struggle, using hidden cameras and secret recording devices to capture the unsettling presence of countless undercover security agents on the streets. The saga takes an unexpected twist as Sparrow's quest for justice causes ripples far beyond Hainan, sparking a reaction from the government that shocks even the most hardened activists across China. As Sparrow is pursued from town to town by both local governments and national secret police, the stakes escalate, with even her neighbors turning against her. Despite the mounting danger, Wang's relentless pursuit of truth does not waver. Navigating a treacherous path of clandestine filming and smuggling footage out of the country, she manages to weave together the intricate tale of her journey. It's a story of extraordinary rebellion, of unwavering solidarity, and an almost unthinkable battle for human rights, led by the indomitable Sparrow and her fellow activists.

Hooligan Sparrow is a documentary movie featuring Ye Haiyan and directed by Nanfu Wang.

Hooligan Sparrow is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Hooligan Sparrow on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.