In March 2002, a state TV station in China was hijacked by members of outlawed spiritual group Falun Gong. Their goal was to counter the government narrative about their practice.
In the aftermath, police raids sweep Changchun City, and comic book illustrator Daxiong (Justice League, Star Wars), a Falun Gong practitioner, is forced to flee. He arrives in North America, blaming the hijacking for worsening a violent repression. But his views are challenged when he meets the lone surviving participant to have escaped China, now living in Seoul, South Korea.
Combining present-day footage with 3D animation inspired by Daxiong’s art, Eternal Spring retraces the event, and brings to life an unprecedented story of defiance, harrowing eyewitness accounts of persecution, and an exhilarating tale of determination to speak up for political and religious freedoms, no matter the cost.
Eternal Spring: The Heist of China´s Airwaves brings to life with stunning animation, the heist, and its repercussions.
¨an inspired mixed-media reflection¨
The Guardian
¨thrilling and emotional story of a group of Falun Gong practitioners who managed to take over Chinese State TV… A Story of immense bravery¨
Movies That Matter
¨A resounding success… an ultra-compelling, suspense-filled investigation¨
Avoir-Alire
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Winner of the Hot Docs Audience Award and the Rogers Audience Award at Hot Docs International Documentary Festival.
Winner of the Fischer Audience Award (Best International Feature) at the 24th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.
Winner of the Human Values Award from the Greek Parliament.
Recipient of Grand Jury Documentary Award – Special Mention at Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague.
Activist Night film – Movies That Matter Festival.