On September 21, 2026, the documentary “Unbreakable: The Story Behind Shen Yun” premiered at the Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center.
Some of the artists from Shen Yun Art Troupe attended the grand red carpet ceremony that evening.
One guest in attendance mentioned, “The whole story really touched me.” Another guest expressed admiration, stating, “I truly admire (Shen Yun) and salute them.”
Several artists appeared on the red carpet wearing traditional Chinese costumes designed by Mr. D.F., the artistic director of Shen Yun, featuring styles from different dynasties, showcasing the beauty of classical attire and infusing a rich taste of Chinese culture into the event.
This screening marked the end of Shen Yun’s 20th-anniversary performance season and served as a prelude to Shen Yun’s return to the Chicago area for performances in March and April 2027.
Dr. Liu Yibao, the representative of Shen Yun in Chicago and chairman of the US-China Falun Dafa Association, expressed his delight at hosting the premiere of “Unbreakable: The Story Behind Shen Yun” in their own city, emphasizing the impact of Shen Yun’s performances in bringing joy and traditional Chinese culture to the local community over the past two decades.
Directed by Fiona Young and produced by Sincere Pictures, “Unbreakable: The Story Behind Shen Yun” is the first feature-length documentary centered around Shen Yun Art Troupe, a New York-based Chinese classical dance and music troupe established in 2006. The film follows the artists’ lives during training and international tours across several continents, showcasing an American family formed by Shen Yun artists.
The 82-minute film consists of two main storylines. One focuses on the artists themselves, including their training, touring schedules, and their motivations for engaging in this work. The other delves into the challenges faced by performers as Shen Yun’s international reputation grows, including smear campaigns, threats, and interference.
The documentary investigates a pattern known as “transnational repression,” where a foreign government attempts to influence or suppress individuals living overseas through another country’s institutions. Instances documented in the film include bomb threats during Shen Yun’s performances in Washington, D.C., warnings of attacks in Atlanta, and bomb threats during performances in Taiwan, with investigations revealing links to a specific region in mainland China. The film presents these events through documents, interviews, and witness testimonies, attributing this pattern to the Chinese Communist Party.
One of the artists present at the premiere was Rachel Chen, a violist in Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, who shared her journey of reconnecting with her cultural roots through Shen Yun’s performances and eventually joining the orchestra.
Chen expressed her gratitude for being part of the Shen Yun family and highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs and principles, especially in the face of challenges.
The film sheds light on the determination and resilience displayed by Shen Yun artists, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional Chinese culture amidst external pressures and attacks aimed at undermining their mission.
The documentary also resonated with the audience, reflected in the emotional responses and shifted perspectives of individuals who had the opportunity to view the behind-the-scenes stories of the Shen Yun artists.
By showcasing the dedication, courage, and spirit of Shen Yun artists, the documentary serves as an inspirational reminder for viewers to stand firm in their convictions and continue pursuing what they believe in, despite obstacles and adversities.
Throughout the evening, attendees, including musicians Lisa and Raymond Schwarzkopf, expressed admiration for Shen Yun’s commitment to their craft and the values they uphold through their performances.
Bill Taylor, a bestselling author, commended Shen Yun’s unwavering dedication and courage in the face of adversity, underscoring the importance of truth, freedom, and perseverance in the pursuit of artistic expression.
The premiere of “Unbreakable: The Story Behind Shen Yun” in Chicago provided a platform for the audience to witness the resilience and strength of Shen Yun artists in the face of challenges, inspiring viewers to uphold their beliefs and values even in the most trying times.