New York City, NY– November 2, 2023: Film Forum is set to host the U.S. theatrical debut of the highly anticipated documentary, TOTAL TRUST, directed by Jialing Zhang, on Friday, December 8. This groundbreaking film delves deep into the realm of surveillance and security in China, shedding light on a chilling reality that extends far beyond its borders.
Over the course of two decades, China has meticulously constructed a surveillance infrastructure that leaves no aspect of its citizens’ lives untouched. In TOTAL TRUST, Jialing Zhang, co-director of the acclaimed “ONE CHILD NATION,” takes viewers on a riveting journey through this Orwellian landscape, where half a billion surveillance cameras relentlessly scrutinize the populace. The documentary also unveils the disturbing world of “Sharp Eyes,” invasive neighborhood watch programs that blur the line between vigilance and intrusion, and the monitoring of employees’ stress levels. Perhaps most ominously, the film exposes China’s “social credit” point system, a mechanism that rewards individuals for community service while mercilessly penalizing perceived societal infractions.
Amidst this sea of surveillance, Zhang spotlights three courageous women who stand up for civil liberties and justice. Among them is independent journalist Sophia Xueqin Huang, an early investigator of #MeToo allegations in China who was later arrested for “inciting subversion of state power.” Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the erosion of privacy and personal freedom in a society where the concept of individual autonomy has become nearly obsolete.
TOTAL TRUST does more than provide a glimpse into China’s surveillance state; it serves as a poignant warning to democracies around the world. As governments increasingly employ surveillance tools in unprecedented ways, the film underscores the global implications for privacy and governmental control, urging viewers to consider the broader consequences.
In New York City, the use of facial recognition technology by MSG Entertainment to identify individuals on an “attorney exclusion list” has raised concerns about privacy. Legislation introduced by the New York City Council in April 2023 seeks to prohibit businesses and landlords from utilizing facial recognition technology without the explicit consent of citizens.
Jialing Zhang, an Emmy-Award nominated independent Chinese filmmaker based in the United States, has a distinguished track record in the documentary genre. Her work includes the 2021 Oscar® shortlisted film, “IN THE SAME BREATH,” and the 2019 Film Forum premiere, “ONE CHILD NATION,” which earned the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and was also Oscar® shortlisted. Zhang’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she garnered nominations for two PGA Awards for Outstanding Producer of Documentary and a DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. Her accolades include the Ridenhour Documentary Prize in 2020, a duPont-Columbia Award, and a Peabody Award in 2022.
TOTAL TRUST had its world premiere at the 2023 CPH:DOX, Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, and is now set to captivate American audiences at DOC NYC on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM.
