Over 12 years, petitioners from across China travel to Beijing, enduring months of waiting to have their grievances heard by authorities.
Synopsis
Over 12 years, petitioners from across China travel to Beijing, enduring months of waiting to have their grievances heard by authorities.
People
Synopsis
At the southern railway station in Beijing, petitioners from across China gather, seeking justice from 1996 to 2008. They endure long waits in makeshift shelters, hoping to have their grievances heard. Zhao Liang's "Petition" follows these individuals, including mothers of abused soldiers and displaced farmers, as they navigate a bureaucratic system that often thwarts their efforts. The film captures their struggles with local authorities and the toll that this fight for restitution takes on their lives.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet the petitioners fighting for justice in Beijing.
- See hidden camera footage from government offices.
- Find out about the lives of those living in makeshift shelters.
Did You Know
- The film was screened at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
- Zhao Liang filmed the petitioners over a span of 12 years, from 1996 to 2008.
- Petitioners often wait months or years for their grievances to be addressed.
- The documentary received the Marek Nowicki Prize at the 2011 WATCH DOCS festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Petition?
Petition was directed by Chinese independent filmmaker Zhao Liang.
What years does the documentary Petition cover?
The documentary covers a period of 12 years from 1996 to 2008.
What types of cases do the petitioners in Petition represent?
The petitioners represent various cases, including mothers of abused young soldiers, farmers thrown off their land, and workers from demolished factories.
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