Film Lens
Though I Am Gone is a documentary that focuses on Bian Zhongyun, the vice principal of the Girls Middle School attached to Beijing Normal University, who was killed by her students on August 5, 1966, during the Cultural Revolution. Directed by Hu Jie, the film incorporates interviews with her husband, Wang Jingyao, who documented the events surrounding her death. The film uses personal records and photographs to convey the emotional weight of the tragedy and the broader context of the Cultural Revolution.
The film also presents a roll call of 201 teachers who were killed in Beijing during this period, serving as a stark reminder of the violence unleashed by the Red Guards. Through a collage-like approach, the film combines archival footage, propaganda songs, and present-day interviews, revealing the hidden experiences of ordinary citizens during the Maoist era. Despite its critical perspective, the film remains banned in mainland China.
Why Watch
- •See Bian Zhongyun's tragic story through her husband's eyes.
- •Find out about the 201 teachers killed in Beijing.
- •Meet Hu Jie, a filmmaker challenging historical narratives.
Did You Know
•Bian Zhongyun was beaten to death on August 5, 1966.
•The film lists 201 names of teachers killed during the Cultural Revolution.
•Hu Jie took a year to persuade Wang Jingyao to share his story and photographs.
Perfect For
Chinese Cultural RevolutionDocumentary filmmakingHistorical violence