On June 17th, the large documentary “UNBROKEN: The Untold Story of Shen Yun” premiered in Los Angeles, the world’s capital of film and television. Various Shen Yun artists walked the red carpet, giving the audience a chance to meet them up close and learn about the behind-the-scenes story of this world-renowned classical Chinese dance troupe.
In the evening of Wednesday, the famous AMC The Grove 14 premium theater in Los Angeles was bustling with activity. Hundreds of VIP guests from the arts, politics, business, and other fields attended the red carpet premiere event. When the Shen Yun female artists appeared in original costumes designed by Mr. D.F., the artistic director of Shen Yun, they became the center of attention.
Shindy Cai, a principal dancer of Shen Yun who was born and raised in California, expressed her great honor in bringing this film about their journey to Los Angeles.
Presented by New Tang Dynasty TV (NTD), “UNBROKEN” follows the investigation of executive producer Steve Lance and delves into the story of the Browde family, offering the audience an unprecedented look behind the scenes of Shen Yun and the intricate details of the artists’ touring experiences.
Jesse Browde, a principal dancer of Shen Yun, shared, “On the Shen Yun stage, audiences can see the beauty and grace of the performances, but often do not witness the sweat and hard work behind the scenes. This film truly takes everyone backstage, showcasing the reality behind Shen Yun performances and the tremendous effort each person puts into it.”
Founded in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts aims to revive traditional Chinese culture and presents a depiction of “China before communism,” attracting millions of viewers worldwide annually.
Levi Browde, the father of principal dancer Jesse Browde, mentioned that the curiosity about Shen Yun from the outside world has been brought to the big screen. He found the real Shen Yun in the film, as he reflected on his daily interactions with the troupe during visits to campuses and conversations with children.
However, the path to reviving traditional culture is not without obstacles. Since its inception, Shen Yun has faced interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Particularly in recent years, Shen Yun has dealt with escalated threats from the CCP, as well as other violent intimidation and media misinformation targeted at theaters worldwide.
Despite these challenges, Browde noted the resilience of Shen Yun artists. He acknowledged the strength of art and the admiration for Shen Yun’s commitment to standing firm against the pressures from the CCP, even as CCP’s suppression extends to the United States.
Lucas Browde, another principal dancer of Shen Yun, shared that his faith keeps him moving forward in the face of difficulties during tours. To him, being unbreakable means staying true to one’s beliefs and standing up again, no matter the pressure or attacks faced.
The determination of the Shen Yun artists deeply touched the audience watching the film.
Catherine Bauknight, a filmmaker and award-winning professional photographer, expressed how moved she was by the film and the unwavering love she saw in the artists, their father, and those truly invested in the cause. She understood why Shen Yun artists embody being unbreakable and attributed it to their intrinsic resilience, determination, talent, and support from family and the community.
Director and producer Nikki Hevesy stated that getting to know Shen Yun truly makes one fall in love with the artists. Beyond their outstanding appearance and masterful skills in high-level dance moves, it’s their genuine nature that draws people in and garners natural support.
Hevesy commended the Shen Yun artists for their courage in upholding art in the face of disruption and interference, saying, “I admire your courage in staying true to art despite the circumstances.”
Since its release, “UNBROKEN” has surpassed 1 million views. The film is now available on major streaming platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, NTD Plus, and GJW, allowing global audiences to watch online anytime.