Award-winning director Zhang Yongjin said, “I believe my role is to reflect real and accurate information to everyone, so that after watching, each person can interpret this reality on their own.”
Zhang’s documentary film “State-Owned Organs,” which won a Peabody Award, was screened at The Producers’ Club near Times Square on April 18th and won the Best Documentary Award at the New York True Venture Film Festival on the 19th. This marked the fifth award the film has received in New York. Prior to this, “State-Owned Organs” had also won numerous accolades such as Best Director and Best Music at the 2023 Canada Lion Awards, the 2024 American Medal of Honor Film Competition Award, the 2024 Artistic Spirit Award, and the Best Human Rights Documentary Award at the Manhattan Film Festival, as well as being a contender for the 2025 Oscar for Best Long Documentary.
“State-Owned Organs,” produced over seven years, presents the heinous act of forced organ harvesting by the Chinese Communist Party through real evidence and touching storytelling, focusing on two families searching for their missing loved ones in China.
More than twenty years ago, two kind-hearted young people mysteriously disappeared, prompting their families to embark on a difficult journey to uncover the truth. The film showcases a wealth of firsthand testimonies, including exclusive interviews with doctors involved in organ harvesting, recordings of the victims before their disappearances, analysis by professional lawyers, and investigations by international authorities, shedding light on the brutal reality of forced disappearances on the mainland from the perspectives of the victims and their families.
After the screening, the film producers and organizers expressed shock and concern over the truth of forced organ harvesting in mainland China, stating that the film was “deeply moving” and that “people need to know the truth.”
Julian Biba, the director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and organizer of the New York True Venture Film Festival, described the event as a success in its sixth year. He praised the film festival for its high-quality documentaries, highlighting the intense competition and the impactful nature of documentary storytelling.
Regarding “State-Owned Organs,” Biba found it “deeply moving and touching,” drawing parallels to his experiences in a communist country. He expressed hope for change and improvement in such places, understanding that the root cause of tragedy often lies in communist ideals.
Biba emphasized the importance of continued activism against unjust governmental practices and laws, such as the illegal practice of organ harvesting, stressing the necessity for people to be informed of the truth and to resist such atrocities.
Director Zhang Yongjin shared his motivation for making the film, stating that his mission is to convey the harsh reality of forced organ harvesting and urge individuals to take action to bring about positive change.
Reflecting on the seven-year journey of creating the documentary, Zhang met with various interviewees who shared their poignant experiences, which deeply affected him personally. He admitted that the film’s production served as a form of redemption for himself, allowing him to shed the shadows of Party culture ingrained in his upbringing.
Zhang highlighted the importance of personal spiritual growth in enhancing cinematic storytelling, emphasizing that authenticity and integrity are essential components in filmmaking. He believed that the further one distances oneself from the Communist regime, the closer they are to spiritual enlightenment and a happier, safer life.
As Zhang continues to evolve as a director, he remains committed to improving his spiritual practice, recognizing its profound impact on the effectiveness of his films. His journey in filmmaking not only sheds light on societal issues but also serves as a path to personal growth and self-redemption.