AUTUMN GEM: A Documentary on Modern China’s First Feminist

By autumngem on February 28th, 2012

Meet the “Chinese Joan of Arc” Qiu Jin (1875-1907), a radical women’s rights activist who defied tradition to become the leader of a revolutionary army. Qiu Jin spoke out against footbinding and arranged marriages and demanded equal opportunities for women. She attempted an armed uprising against the corrupt Qing Dynasty and became the first female martyr for China’s 1911 Revolution. Qiu Jin is celebrated as a national heroine today.

Using scholar interviews, archival materials, and dramatic reenactments based on her original writings, AUTUMN GEM brings the story of Qiu Jin to life. The hour-long film was produced and directed by two San Francisco Bay Area Chinese American filmmakers, Rae Chang and Adam Tow. It stars former China National martial arts champion and Hollywood stunt actress Li Jing.

AUTUMN GEM has screened at over 100 venues worldwide, including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Brown, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of British Columbia, and Australian National University.

As 2012 marks the centenary of the end of imperial rule in China, it is especially crucial to acknowledge the role of women in the country’s transition to a modern nation. AUTUMN GEM sheds light on a remarkable figure who continues to serve as an inspiration to Chinese women today.

San Francisco Bay Area Screenings

All events are free and open to the general public. For full details please visit http://autumn-gem.com

MARCH
March 1: San Jose State University
March 2: Atherton Library
March 6: Fremont Library
March 8: Foster City Library
March 10: Cupertino Library
March 11: Livermore Library
March 12: Los Altos Library
March 14: San Carlos Library
March 18: Mountain View Library
March 21: Sunnyvale Library
March 27: Campbell Library
March 28: San Jose King Library
March 31: Dublin Library

APRIL
April 7: Berryessa Library
April 24: Evergreen Library
April 25: Alameda Library

MAY
May 1: Belmont Library
May 2: Millbrae Library
May 10: Burlingame Library
May 12: Pacifica Sharp Park Library

Categories: Events
Tags: Asia, Asian women, China, Chinese women, documentary, feminist, film, heroine, international, international women's day, women's history, Women's History Month, women's rights

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Dear Friends –

Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination, the theme for 2013 Women's History Month , recognizes American women's outstanding contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We are proud to honor eighteen women whose pioneering work includes scientific breakthroughs, life-saving discoveries, invention of new technologies, creation of organizations, and the promotion of women and girls in STEM. For full description, visit our website www.nwhp.org.

A variety of information related to National Women’s History Month 2013 is available to download on our homepage www.nwhp.org where you can preview or order a copy of the 2013 Women’s History Gazette. Throughout the Gazette you will find information about women in the STEM fields. Also highlighted are many organizations and programs working to promote women's and girls’ interest and participation in STEM.

For National Women’s History Month 2013 as well as throughout the year, we invite you to explore the many women who have made extraordinary contributions to the STEM fields. We also encourage you to consider the ways in which you can promote women and girls in STEM.

Thanks for your support,

Molly Murphy MacGregor
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