Ai Weiwei’s Turandot

The documentary follows Chinese revolutionary artist and activist, Ai Weiwei, during his operatic directorial debut at the Rome Opera House, as he draws on revered Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece, Turandot, as a backdrop to project the many issues that plague mankind. One hundred years later, the film shows not only that Puccini’s opera is still as vital and relevant as ever, but also according to esteemed choreographer, Chiang Ching – his life-long friend featured in the film, that it is a reflection of Ai Weiwei’s life as well, and a fitting project for an artist known for his installations, sculpture and photography that denounce authority and champion human rights and freedom of expression.