DISSIDENTS documentary film by Yi Chen (USA/2025/75mins) + discussion

Overview: DISSIDENTS In the United States, three Chinese dissidents fight for democracy against a superpower through art, protest, and grassroots organizing, but not even exile is safe as they navigate threats of violence, criminal charges, and a sculpture being burnt down. Combining intimate observational footage, rich archival materials and an investigative approach, the film uncovers transnational repression by an authoritarian state targeting dissidents who are keeping the.democratic flame alive during the darkest hours.

Director Yi Chen is a Washington, DC based documentary filmmaker. FIRST VOTE (2020, PBS Distribution) qualified for the 93rd Oscars. Yi's work has been in AFI DOCS, IDFA Docs for Sale, Hot Docs Doc Shop, DOC NYC OINY, and Tribeca IF/Then. She has received grants from Ford Foundation JustFilms, Open Society Foundations, ITVS, etc. Yi is a 2019 Soros Equality Fellow and holds an MFA in Film and Media Arts from American University.

Followed by a panel discussion with the director and people festured in the film.

Host or Publisher DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF)