Ep 10. Hooligan Sparrow

Hooligan Sparrow is the tenth and final episode of the twenty-ninth season of the documentary series POV. Directed by Nanfu Wang, this gripping documentary takes an intimate look at the life of Ye Haiyan, better known as Hooligan Sparrow, a Chinese activist and feminist. The film captures her relentless efforts to seek justice for young girls who were sexually abused by their principal and government officials.

The documentary begins with Sparrow and a group of activists staging a protest outside a school in Hainan against the sexual exploitation of young girls. Sparrow, who has a history of advocating for sex workers' rights, is passionate about empowering women to speak out against sexual violence. The principal of the school they are protesting is one of the offenders, who allegedly paid for sex with six schoolgirls. Sparrow and her fellow activists believe that the local police and government officials are complicit in this abuse. They demand justice for the girls, who have been forced into silence by threats and intimidation.

The film follows Sparrow as she travels across China to bring attention to the case. As she films with a hidden camera, she encounters numerous obstacles, including detainment and surveillance. The Chinese government is notoriously intolerant of dissent, and Sparrow's activism puts her life in danger. One of the most powerful moments of the film occurs when she is attacked and beaten by pro-government thugs who attempt to intimidate her into silence.

Despite the dangers, Sparrow is determined to raise awareness about the case, no matter the cost. She is inspiring in her courage and resilience, and the documentary does an excellent job of capturing her spirit. Through wide shots of the Chinese countryside and intimate interviews with Sparrow, Wang shows the beauty of her homeland and the struggles faced by its people. The film paints a vivid picture of China as a country grappling with issues of corruption, censorship, and human rights.

One of the most harrowing moments of the film is when Sparrow is arrested and detained without charges by the Chinese government. Wang captures the moment with a hidden camera, and it is a chilling reminder of the dangers of speaking out against the authorities in China. Sparrow's arrest and subsequent release are a powerful reminder of the challenges facing activists in China and other countries around the world.

Throughout the film, Sparrow's message is clear: women must be empowered to stand up against sexual violence and abuse. The film ends with a powerful call to action, urging viewers to support Sparrow and the countless other activists who are working to make a difference in China and beyond. It is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, Hooligan Sparrow is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in Chinese politics, human rights, or gender equality. The film is a powerful and intimate look at the struggles faced by activists in China, and it is sure to inspire viewers to take action to support advocates like Sparrow. Nanfu Wang's direction is flawless, and she captures the beauty and complexity of China with a rare clarity. Highly recommended.