“The record companies just didn’t know what to do,” says Denise Ho in a trailer for a new documentary about her. “And I wasn’t ready to conform to what they expected.”

Directed by Sue Williams, “Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” is an intimate portrait of the openly-gay Canto-pop singer and outspoken political activist, who was arrested and blacklisted by mainland China following her public support of pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters in 2014.

The trailer shows footage of the protests that have continued to unfold in Hong Kong, while following Ho on tour around the U.K. and North America as she attempts to rebuild her career.

“I think she truly represents Hong Kong,” says a fan. “She is a true Hong Kong-er.”

The film will have its online world premiere on June 26 as part of the Frameline44 Pride Showcase, the mini version of Frameline Film Festival that was programmed in response to the main festival’s postponement due to COVID-19.

“Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” will then hit virtual cinemas on July 1, released in solidarity with the annual protests marking the handover of Hong Kong to China on its 23rd anniversary.

Williams’ most recent directing credits include “Death by Design,” and both “Young & Restless in China” and “China in the Red” for PBS’ “Frontline.”