From Suppression to Freedom – The Fight Against the Digital Surveillance Machine

Authoritarian regimes are increasingly using advanced digital tools to monitor citizens, silence dissent, and restrict freedoms. At the same time, reality is being shaped through manipulated and distorted information.

In Taiwan and Myanmar, artists and activists are responding to these developments with creativity and courage.

Welcome to Vikes’ programme at the Maailma kylässä (World Village) Festival on Sunday 17 May at 12:20–12:45. The discussion continues after the session in the lobby at 12.45 pm – you are warmly welcome to join the speakers for further conversation.

Two powerful voices from Asia will take the stage:

Freddy Lim is the frontman of the Taiwanese metal band CHTHONIC and Taiwan’s representative in Finland. He has combined music, human rights activism and politics throughout his career. In his talk, Freddy examines Taiwan’s democratic development under the pressure of China’s cognitive warfare and information influence o

May May is a Myanmar-born artist and filmmaker living in exile in Europe. Her documentaries portray life under authoritarian rule with a personal and uncompromising approach. In her talk, May takes the audience into the surveillance of Myanmar’s ruling military junta and the quiet struggle over dominant narratives.

Through art, activism and personal experiences, the discussion explores how freedom is challenged in today’s world – and why defending open societies concerns all of us.

–The programme will be held in English.

–Free entry.

–The event can be followed at Puhelava stage in Bio Rex or via livestream.

What: A discussion on digital surveillance and resistance
Where: Puhelava, Bio Rex + livestream. Mannerheimintie 22–24, 00100 Helsinki.
When: Sunday 17 May at 12:20–12:45 + follow-up discussion at 12.45 pm at the lobby of Bio Rex.