Autumn Gem Film Screening May 28, 2011

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is pleased to present a screening of the documentary film, Autumn Gem 秋瑾.

Discover how one woman overcame the sexist oppression of traditional China to become an accomplished writer, skilled martial artist, and leader of a revolutionary army in the struggle to free her nation from imperial rule.

In the late 19th century, many Chinese struggled to end the corrupt and oppressive Qing Dynasty, but few outside China realize that one woman stood out among their number. Qiu Jin (秋瑾 1875-1907) was not only an activist for women’s rights; she also fought and died as a martyr, struggling to found a modern Chinese nation. As China’s first feminist, Qiu Jin is a familiar heroine in China, but Autumn Gem is the first American-produced documentary to share Qiu Jin’s story with English-speaking audiences.

Using interviews with scholars, archival materials, and dramatic recreations based on Qiu’s original writings, two San Francisco Bay Area Chinese American filmmakers, Rae Chang and Adam Tow, produced and directed this film. It stars former China National Wushu Champion and Hollywood stunt actress Li Jing, and some footage actually was shot at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. The directors also partnered with the San Francisco Chinese Culture Center and the Official Qiu Jin Museum in Shaoxing 紹興, China.

The screening will be held in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension building at 328 J Street on Saturday, May 28th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at the reception held in the Chinese garden at 404 Third Avenue. Admission is $2 and free for members and children under 12.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is located at 404 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. For more information, please visit our website at www.sdchm.org.

Official Website: http://www.sdchm.org