The VJs were arrested for secretly filming the 2007 Saffron Revolution. Their story is told in the new documentary Burma VJ, which features illegal footage filmed by the now-imprisoned VJs using concealed cameras. The VJs risked torture, imprisonment and death to document the story behind the 2007 uprisings, and they now face up to 65 years in prison for simply recording the events in the film.

After seeing Burma VJ, Gere said: "It's desperately important that people see this film and get involved in the movement to help Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi. "I was incredibly moved on many different levels by what the filmmakers achieved. The conviction and urgency that Burma VJ conveys is very difficult to communicate on film in an honest way."

He continued: "Supporting this film and the Free the VJs Co-operative's campaign will enhance your own sense of responsibility by demonstrating that you can effect positive change in the world. It is important that we keep ourselves connected by engaging human rights issues around the globe and insisting that our government representatives, business leaders and institutions like the UN do something when rights are violated." Burma VJ opens at 40 cinemas across the UK on 14 July.