Amnesty activists and leading members of the cultural world gathered at Anish Kapoor’s London studio to make a special Gangnam Style film in support of the artist, Ai Weiwei. The film has been choreographed by Akram Khan. Those who took part included artists Mark Wallinger, Bob and Roberta Smith and Tom Phillips, dancers Tamara Rojo and Deborah Bull, Southbank Centre Director Jude Kelly and many others. Various organisations and individuals across the world have also sent in their own contributions for the film, which have been incorporated into the final edit. 

Ai Weiwei’s parody of rapper PSY’s popular music film used handcuffs to comment on the lack of freedom in China. The film was immediately removed from the web by the Chinese authorities.

Anish Kapoor said: “Our film aims to make a serious point about freedom of speech and freedom of expression. It is our hope that this gesture of support for Ai Weiwei and all prisoners of conscience will be wide-ranging and will help to emphasise how important these freedoms are to us all.”

Kate Allen, UK Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“This is a rousing and captivating way to bring some serious fun to a serious issue, Anish Kapoor style. Anish’s video is a wonderful tribute to Ai Weiwei and we hope that everyone who watches the video will take some time to reflect on the limits placed on freedom of expression in China. We hope people might then take action for imprisoned human rights lawyer, Gao Zhisheng at ... .”