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IndieChina Film Festival Canceled Amid Harassment Fears

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zhu Rikun planned the IndieChina Film Festival in New York City but suspended it two days before the start due to harassment concerns.
Many filmmakers withdrew under pressure from Chinese authorities.
Zhu protested by visiting the empty venue daily, highlighting filmmaking difficulties under President Xi Jinping.
Human Rights Watch described the suppression as transnational repression.

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Story summary

Zhu Rikun planned the IndieChina Film Festival in New York City but suspended it two days before the start due to harassment concerns.
Many filmmakers withdrew under pressure from Chinese authorities.
Zhu protested by visiting the empty venue daily, highlighting filmmaking difficulties under President Xi Jinping.
Human Rights Watch described the suppression as transnational repression.