‘It Just Became Very Real to Me’: Documentary Exposes State-Sponsored Persecution of Shen Yun

VANCOUVER—Inside a packed theater at the VIFF Centre, an audience of local residents, arts patrons, and political leaders gathered on the evening of Aug. 23 for the premiere of “Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun.”

The feature documentary, directed by Fiona Young, examines the behind-the-scenes realities of Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York–based classical Chinese dance company. Combining personal narratives with investigative reporting, the film details the rigorous artistic training, spiritual conviction, and political repression experienced by Shen Yun performers, alongside allegations of escalating interference and smear campaigns by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Following the screening, a live panel discussion and Q&A session with the featured artists drew sustained applause from the audience. For many attendees, the event bridged the gap between the company’s vibrant stage performances and the challenges its dancers encounter.

Perspectives From the Audience

For Raymonde Tickner, whose family members study and volunteer at the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts in New York, where Shen Yun artists train, the film offered an eye-opening look inside the organization.

“My son, his wife, and our grandchildren have been involved with Shen Yun for quite a number of years now,” Tickner told The Epoch Times.

“Seeing the kind of work that the kids do and seeing how hard they work, and just the courage and the strength to keep going every day, and also the political background and the pressure that they’re under—I think it’s amazing that they have the courage to keep doing what they’re doing. It just became very real to me instead of some sort of abstract thing that you just hear about third-hand.”

Michelle Ng, a financial columnist and former writer for Apple Daily—the pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper forced to close in 2021 under government pressure—expressed a personal connection to the artists’ plight.

“I thought of myself while watching the documentary,” Ng said. “I love writing, but Apple Daily was just gone. I am a victim myself.”

Ng said that the documentary altered her view of the performers.

“In the past, I only saw the beautiful posters for Shen Yun,” she said. “I didn’t realize these young dancers had such depth, such clear voices, and such conviction. I had no idea there were so many stories behind these artists. When you learn that 94 performers have family members who were persecuted in China, you realize this isn’t just an act. It’s their real life.”

She expressed deep admiration for their resilience in the face of the CCP’s transnational repression and interference, noting that their peaceful resistance offers immense inspiration.

“They have set an example for us Hong Kongers on how to carry on our resistance against totalitarianism,” Ng said.

Addressing Disinformation and Persecution

Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun seeks to revive 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and share with audiences the beauty of “China before communism.” The performance also exposes the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

First introduced publicly in China in 1992, Falun Gong, also called Falun Dafa, spread by word of mouth, and within seven years an estimated 70 million to 100 million people had taken it up. Fearing that the spiritual practice’s growing popularity threatened its power, the CCP launched a systematic nationwide campaign in July 1999 to eradicate Falun Gong through propaganda, financial coercion, arbitrary detention, forced labor, torture, and even forced organ harvesting.

The documentary also details the severe human cost of Beijing’s ongoing repression, revealing that at least 94 current Shen Yun performers have family members in China who have faced arrest, torture, or death. Beyond the persecution inside China, the film documents state-sponsored disinformation campaigns and pressure tactics targeting the company abroad.

Tamara, a premiere attendee who gave only her first name, pointed to the film’s role in addressing media narratives and public misconceptions regarding the dancers’ welfare and injuries.

“It was really nice and refreshing to hear directly from the dancers so that you can clear the untruths that have been said,” Tamara said. “Hearing about the stories of the families being persecuted is really heartbreaking. But to me, ‘unbroken’ means that no matter how hard things are, don’t give up hope. Keep pressing forward with light, truth, and compassion.”

Darrell Jones, former president of Save-On-Foods, reflected on the broader geopolitical context highlighted in the documentary.

“You can certainly see that they’ve done a great job of talking about the Chinese community prior to communism,” Jones said after the screening. “It was very enlightening for me because I never really understood the challenges that they face. The Canadian government and provincial governments need to take a much stronger position when it comes to the challenges we face with China and ensure Chinese-Canadian citizens are protected.”

Artistic Appreciation and Calls for Principles

For longtime attendees of Shen Yun’s annual performances, the film offered an inside look at the production’s operational demands and security challenges.

“I’ve been to the last three or four shows, and every year I admire the artwork and creativity,” said local photographer Aziz Lada. “But now I know more about what happens behind the scenes, facing all the challenges and threats and still doing it. My hat’s off to all the producers and artists who put so much into it.”

Community leaders in attendance emphasized the need to defend free expression and resist foreign interference in Western democracies.

Chang Li-chiang, former president of the Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Canadian Association, praised the unity and discipline of the young cast members, while her husband, investor Pan Li-chung, commended their dedication.

“Looking at these young people during the Q&A, every one of them spoke so well,” Pan said. “They have real ideals, and that is not easy.”

Chang urged elected officials in North America to maintain firm ethical boundaries in the face of foreign pressure campaigns.

“People need to have a conscience,” he said. “We hope politicians in Canada and the United States hold onto their principles and defend what is right.”

Chen Chen contributed to this report.