The director stated that if the harassment efforts are having any impact, it is not the desired outcome by Beijing.
Threats of mass shootings, bomb detonations, and systematic hacking have been directed at journalists, theaters, police, and local lawmakers, mainly in the United States and Taiwan, over the past two months. The threats aim to prevent the screening of a film called “State Organs.”
The documentary, which is a contender in the 2025 Academy Awards, follows the journeys of two families searching for their missing loved ones in the backdrop of China’s state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting.
Despite receiving threatening emails, including those with images of guns and explosives, the screenings of “State Organs” continued in various cities. The threats turned out to be empty, and an investigation is ongoing to identify the origin of these cyber harassment campaigns.
Director Raymond Zhang, whose name was mentioned in one of the emails, sees parallels between the film’s themes and the real-life threats. The film’s production team plans to submit all threats to U.S. law enforcement.
Forced organ harvesting is a censored topic in China, along with the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, who are featured in the documentary. The film sheds light on the CCP’s genocidal crimes and cover-ups over the past 25 years.
There is evidence of China actively censoring discussions on forced organ harvesting both domestically and internationally. Lawmakers have faced pressure from Chinese diplomats to retract statements on the issue, highlighting the sensitivity of the topic for the CCP. Alice Johnson, the officials refused to acknowledge the abuse and instead focused on promoting the CCP’s propaganda against Falun Gong during the meeting. However, their tactics backfired as the measure ultimately received unanimous support.
The release of “State Organs” has faced challenges, with an Italian film distributor retracting interest due to the content’s association with the persecution of Falun Gong. Similarly, a U.S. distributor expressed concerns about jeopardizing market access in China by associating with the film.
Despite the roadblocks and threats, filmmaker Zhang remains undeterred. The harassment efforts have led to unexpected outcomes, including increased support and interest in the film. In response to intimidation tactics, democracy activists in Los Angeles staged a protest, emphasizing the atrocities committed by the CCP.
In Taiwan, where the harassment campaign was concentrated, screenings of “State Organs” sold out, and legislators showed support by attending the showings. The film’s scheduled month-long screenings have been extended into December, reflecting the growing interest in the topic.
The issue of forced organ harvesting by the CCP has garnered international attention, leading to legislative actions in the U.S. to combat the practice. Several states have passed laws to prevent funding of organ transplants linked to China, and the Falun Gong Protection Act aims to sanction individuals involved in the crimes.
Zhang hopes that his film will prompt viewers to reflect and take action against these atrocities. He believes that the opportunity to address these issues and prevent future atrocities is within reach. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
Source link
