A documentary showcasing the journey of two American brothers chasing their dreams of dancing on the world’s elite stages is set to premiere. Their father, however, is burdened with worry about their safety whenever the curtain rises. This poignant narrative forms the backbone of the film titled “Shen Yun Unbroken: The Battle Beyond the Stage,” which is scheduled for release in theaters across the United States on January 28 and 31, 2027.
On November 11, the film production company Sincere Pictures, in collaboration with distributor Fathom Entertainment, announced the upcoming showing of this insightful documentary. These two days of screenings will offer audiences a unique glimpse into the New York-based dance troupe Shen Yun and the threats they encounter during their global tours. Tickets will be available for purchase online and at participating theater box offices starting December 18.
During the screenings, there will be special behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the production process for the 2027 Shen Yun season. Viewers will gain an insider’s understanding of how artists meticulously prepare their costumes, music, and choreography.
Directed by Fiona Young and filmed in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York, the documentary captures the essence of the Shen Yun headquarters, where the troupe rehearses and prepares for performances.
The film follows the experiences of principal dancer Jesse Browde, dancer Lucas Browde, and their father, Levi Browde. A significant incident occurs while the Browde brothers are on tour in Taiwan, where the theater receives a bomb threat. This alarming situation directly threatens the safety of the Browde family and sheds light on the anxieties faced by performers.
Levi Browde expresses the immense psychological pressure he feels when threats extend to his children’s workplace. “We all feel the pressure,” he stated during an interview in March with the Epoch Times, a sister media outlet of New Tang Dynasty Television.
“Shen Yun Unbroken” contrasts the personal experiences of this family against the backdrop of what the production team describes as an “onslaught against Shen Yun.” The film dives into issues such as bomb threats, legal battles, and negative media coverage, featuring investigative reporting led by executive producer Steve Lance, who examines actions associated with the Chinese Communist Party.
What started as a special investigative report gradually expanded as the film crew documented the dancers’ lives, visited performance venues, and observed rehearsals.
Lance recalls an eye-opening experience before a performance at Lincoln Center in New York in 2025, where he witnessed the dancers’ focused preparation. He remarked to the Epoch Times on how their dedication and skill deepened his understanding of the dance troupe. “These individuals are not striving for fame,” he noted.
The Shen Yun Performing Arts was established in 2006 with the mission to revive traditional Chinese culture and raise awareness about human rights abuses inflicted by the Chinese Communist regime.
As Shen Yun gears up for its 2027 world tour, the documentary will coincide with the tour, debuting in theaters nationwide before the Lunar New Year.
Each year, Shen Yun produces a brand new program, and the behind-the-scenes content in the film will showcase how the troupe integrates various artistic elements, including choreography, costume design, live music, and stunning backdrops.
In a promotional trailer announcing the movie’s release, Steve Lance shared his thoughts on the cinematic experience, emphasizing how the theater environment enhances the film’s impact. “I believe this film was truly made for the big screen. The story is incredibly compelling, and the visuals are stunning,” he declared.
Sincere Pictures, a subsidiary of New Tang Dynasty Television, is collaborating with Fathom Entertainment to distribute this remarkable film.