In this compelling portrait of the internationally recognized artist Ai Weiwei, filmmaker Alison Klayman presents an insightful look at China and its transition in a digital age. Klayman followed the outspoken artist over the course of several years, and deftly interweaves the larger themes of art, social justice, free speech and participatory democracy in the film. Small details captured in the film demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the subject. Ai’s creative process, activism, international exhibits and tensions with authorities that result in censorship, attacks and detention are all documented with skill and humanity. There will be a Q&A with filmmaker Alison Klayman following the screening. This screening is co-sponsored by the Alfred I. duPont Awards at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, the Weatherhead East Asia Institute at Columbia University and Columbia/Barnard Hillel – Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life.
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