The award-winning documentary UNBROKEN: The Untold Story of Shen Yun brings together investigative reporting and deeply personal storytelling to explore the experiences of Shen Yun Performing Arts artists and the challenges they have faced while sharing traditional Chinese culture around the world.
Directed by Fiona Young and produced by Sincere Pictures, the documentary follows performers who dedicate years to mastering classical Chinese dance while examining broader questions surrounding artistic freedom, cultural preservation, and alleged transnational repression. Through firsthand accounts, investigative findings, and the journeys of young artists, UNBROKEN explores the intersection of creative expression and political pressure.
At the center of the film is an investigation led by Steve Lance, Executive Producer of Sincere Pictures and Investigative Journalist with NTD Television. Approaching the project from both a filmmaking and journalistic perspective, Lance sought to create a documentary grounded in evidence while highlighting the human stories behind the headlines.
"With UNBROKEN, I wore two hats, executive producer behind the camera and investigative journalist in front of it. My rule for both was the same: let the evidence lead. We put the court filings, the medical records, and the threat transcripts on screen, and we let the audience decide what they mean. I wanted the film to document, not argue. And what it documents is a foreign influence campaign against American artists running alongside one of the most inspiring coming-of-age stories I've ever encountered."
The film follows performers including Jesse and Lucas Browde, brothers who grew up in New York before pursuing careers as classical Chinese dancers on the international stage. Their experiences, along with those of other artists featured in the documentary, reveal the dedication required to preserve and perform a centuries-old art form while navigating challenges that extend beyond the stage.
Beyond the personal stories of the performers, UNBROKEN examines the role of artistic expression in the face of censorship and intimidation. The documentary highlights how cultural traditions, individual voices, and creative freedom can become powerful forces when confronted with efforts to suppress or control expression.
A special Capitol Hill screening of UNBROKEN: The Untold Story of Shen Yun will take place on July 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The evening will feature remarks from members of Congress, a screening of the film, and a live panel discussion with the filmmakers and Shen Yun artists about their firsthand experiences with artistic freedom and transnational repression. A reception will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the program at 7:00 PM.
Through its combination of investigative journalism and personal storytelling, UNBROKEN invites audiences to consider the importance of protecting artistic freedom, preserving cultural heritage, and understanding the impact of intimidation on artists around the world.
