Zhu Xiao-Mei: How Bach Defeated Mao
23.10.2016 23h35
Music, especially Bach’s music, gave this artist the strength to survive unimaginable challenges. Zhu Xiao-Mei belongs to the “Lost Generation” that endured the worst excesses of Mao’s regime: several years of “re-education”, five years in a work camp, her family destroyed, endless deprivation and political intrigue… “Zhu Xiao-Mei: How Bach defeated Mao” is a portrait of an artist whose life is inextricably tied to Mao’s disastrous Cultural Revolution. In 1980 Zhu Xia-Mei emigrated to the United States, then decided to settle in Paris in 1984. In this film for the first time after 35 years she returns as a celebrated concert pianist to her roots with a triumphal tour to modern China.
Produced and directed by Paul Smaczny
A production of Accentus Music in co-production with ZDF/Arte and supported by Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung.
Broadcast: 23 October 2016, 23h35 on ARTE.