Matinee

Series/Themes: Special Guests

Genre: Documentaries

Accessibility: Subtitles

Film Year: 2019

Locations: USA

Film Length: 78 min.

Languages: English, Mandarin

Subtitles: Subtitled

Director: Cheryl Haines

Featuring: Ai Weiwei, Ahmed Maher, Chelsea Manning, John Kiriakou, Gao Ying

While under house arrest in Beijing at the hands of Chinese authorities, artist and activist Ai Weiwei remotely transforms Alcatraz into an extraordinary exhibit dedicated to prisoners of conscience around the globe. His exhibit Yours Truly invites visitors to write messages of hope and support to those unjustly detained in other countries. The film follows these postcards’ journeys, demonstrating the comfort that can be found in the voices of strangers on the other side of the world. Director Cheryl Haines also explores the artist’s own inspiration for his work, ultimately creating a moving call to action that extends the already expansive reach of Ai Weiwei’s letters. Discussion with director Cheryl Haines and subject John Kiriakou, moderated by Matthew McLendon (UVA)

Supported by IX Art Park