AAUW SR presents Autumn Gem

The San Ramon Branch of American Association of University Women will present a free screening of AUTUMN GEM: A Documentary on Modern China's First Feminist on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 7:00pm. Producers Rae Chang and Adam Tow will introduce the film and participate in a Q-&-A session afterwards. AUTUMN GEM explores the extraordinary life of the Chinese Joan of Arc? Qiu Jin (1875-1907), a radical women's rights activist who defied tradition to become the leader of a revolutionary army. Qiu Jin spoke out against foot binding and other oppressive practices and demanded equal opportunities for women. She attempted an armed uprising against the corrupt Qing Dynasty and became the first female martyr for China?s 1911 Revolution. Qiu Jin is celebrated as a national heroine today. While Qiu Jin is a familiar figure in China, she is largely unknown outside of the country. AUTUMNGEM is the first documentary feature on Qiu Jin in the U.S. Using scholar interviews, archival materials, and dramatic reenactment scenes based on her original writings, AUTUMN GEM brings the story of Qiu Jin to life. The hour-long film was produced and directed by two San Francisco Bay Area Chinese American filmmakers, Rae Chang and Adam Tow. It stars former China National martial arts champion and Hollywood stunt actress Li Jing. AUTUMN GEM has screened at over 120 venues worldwide, including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Princeton, Brown, University of Maryland, Australian National University, and University of Hong Kong. As 2012 marked the centenary of the end of imperial rule in China, it is especially crucial to acknowledge the role of women in the country?s transition to a modern nation. AUTUMN GEM sheds light on a seminal figure who continues to serve as an inspiration to Chinese women today. ?With all my heart I beseech and beg my two hundred million female compatriots to assume their responsibility as citizens. Arise! Arise! Chinese women, arise!? - Qiu Jin