(Minghui.org) The Dallas premiere of the documentary Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun was screened at the Angelika Film Center on the evening of June 7, 2026. The film opened this season’s Ministry of Truth Summer Film Fest, and attracted film enthusiasts and local government officials.
The documentary tells the story of Shen Yun artists who present China’s traditional culture and uphold their faith despite ongoing attacks and threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The story deeply moved the audience, and received widespread praise. Many attendees said they were looking forward to seeing the Shen Yun show next year, and hope to learn more about Falun Dafa—the faith that gives Shen Yun performers their conviction and strength.
The Angelika Film Center in Dallas is known for screening independent, foreign-language, and art-house films. Organizers of the Ministry of Truth Summer Film Fest said they previously watched the documentary online and were deeply moved and impressed. As a result, they selected it as the opening film of this season’s festival and organized a post-screening discussion, in hopes of helping more people understand how the CCP is infiltrating other countries. The organizers also invited Jan Jekielek, author of Kill to Order, to speak with the audience and sign copies of the book.
At the conclusion of the screening, the entire audience stood up and applauded, expressing admiration for the courage and perseverance demonstrated by the Shen Yun artists, and their gratitude for the documentary’s production team.
The audience saw Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun at its Dallas premiere at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas (Minghui.org)
The documentary’s production team, and the author of Kill to Order Jan Jekielek answered questions from the audience. (Minghui.org)
Mayor: America Does Not Tolerate Threats—Looking Forward to Seeing Shen Yun
Mayor Dr. John Hubbard and his wife attended the screening. (Minghui.org)
After watching the documentary with his wife, Dr. John Hubbard, mayor of the City of Fairview, north of Dallas, said he previously knew little about Shen Yun or the threats it faces from the CCP. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to watch the documentary and learn about the situation, adding that threatening people in the United States is unacceptable. He said he and his wife plan to attend Shen Yun the next time it performs in Dallas.
City Council Member Recommends the Documentary
Council Member Schnell Blanton was moved by the love expressed in the documentary, and hopes more people see it. (Minghui.org)
Addison City Council Member Schnell Blanton said after the screening that she was not aware of many things that were shown in the documentary. She plans to read the book Kill to Order and see Shen Yun. She said she couldn’t wait to encourage more people to watch this documentary, and said she would post about it on social media when she got home that evening.
She was very impressed by a practitioner in the documentary, and said, “The love that this gentleman showed for his children, he went to the ends of the earth, not only to protect his kids, but also to protect the future children that would come behind him. That is truly remarkable. Seeing the love he has for his children was deeply moving.”
City Council Member: This Documentary Reveals the Truth
Arlington City Council Member Mauricio Galante spoke to the media after the screening. (Minghui.org)
Mauricio Galante, a city council member from Arlington, said he was struck by the truths revealed in the documentary.
“The movie is inspirational, and it’s very revealing. It shows why the Chinese Communist Party is scared of Shen Yun.” He noted that one especially striking fact revealed in the documentary was how major American media organizations have been bought off, and have become tools of the CCP, which showed that when money is involved, these media organizations have not only abandoned the interests of the nation, the people, and society, but have become accomplices of the CCP.
He said he believes that major media organizations need to reexamine the current situation and realize the serious impact that spreading false information can have on society. He thanked NTD TV for its in-depth investigations and for producing this highly informative documentary.
City Council Member: Freedom of Belief Must Be Protected
Council Member Aaron James spoke with the media after watching the documentary. (Minghui.org)
Aaron James, a city council member from the City of White Settlement, west of Dallas, compared conditions in China with those in the U.S.
He quoted a line by Benjamin Franklin, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” He warned that people must be cautious when sacrificing freedom for a bit more security.
He added that the ideas conveyed in the documentary empower people to remain independent and not submit to government or any other force. These ideas are closely connected to freedom and everything that the United States stands for, and must be protected. He greatly admires the stand taken by the young artists, and their efforts to share these principles with people around the world.
Moviegoers: An Excellent and Inspiring Documentary
Several film enthusiasts also expressed high praise for the documentary, and said the documentary helped them understand many facts.
Michelle Foster strongly recommends Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun.(Minghui.org)
Michelle Foster, a retired air traffic controller who has participated in a film club for more than five years, said, “I completely understand why they did the documentary, just to get the truth out there.”
Ms. Foster said that the CCP is a frightening group, and found the documentary deeply inspiring, noting her appreciation for the efforts that expose the truth and rectify wrongdoing. Additionally, she shared that she is quite familiar with the author of Kill to Order. Having already purchased the book, she was thrilled to receive his autograph that evening. In her view, the author achieved something extraordinary by bringing to light the severe suffering being endured by those affected.
Lauren McDonald said the CCP is a totalitarian regime. (Minghui.org)
Lauren McDonald, a political strategist, expressed shock that The New York Times fabricated the reports and noted that the film significantly altered her perspective. From a legal standpoint, she found it alarming that the activities of the CCP within the United States have not been openly or clearly addressed. “The Communist Party of China, and their activities in the United States, are using our own institutions against us, and the average American has no clue. We think that the Chinese Communist Party is just their little preferred choice of government, when it is not. It is a totalitarian regime, and we definitely need to be aware of that.”
Rose, a business owner and entrepreneur, said the documentary deserved a perfect score of 10 out of 10. She described it as a compelling story that shows what the young men and women at Shen Yun have experienced. Seeing them endure persecution while remaining steadfast in their belief was both heartbreaking and inspiring. She said it was remarkable that they had not been crushed by the Chinese regime, as such resilience requires not only physical strength but also tremendous mental fortitude.
People Wish to Learn More About Falun Dafa
Falun Dafa practitioners displayed several artworks from the Art of Zhen Shan Ren Exhibition in the hallway on the second floor of the theater, along with informational booths about Falun Dafa and Shen Yun. Many audience members stopped to learn more about Falun Dafa before and after the screening.
Audience members viewed the art exhibition and learned about Falun Dafa at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas. (Minghui.org)
One attendee said that after watching the documentary, they felt the power of faith, decided to learn more about Falun Dafa, and planned to attend a Shen Yun performance.
Another attendee, Lauren, said she had previously heard about the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa, and found it almost unbelievable in its brutality. Although she is a Christian, she said she is willing to embrace Falun Dafa in her heart, and may explore incorporating its teachings into her life.
Tracey, who happened to pass through the lobby and received a flyer from practitioners, said she practiced qigong for many years and was excited to learn more about Falun Dafa.
After the screening, three audience members spoke with practitioners at the Falun Dafa information booth, and said they planned to learn more about Falun Dafa.
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