Film Follows Intrepid Women’s Rights Activist Uncovering Sexual Abuse in China
A co-presentation with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).
New York, N.Y. — April 18, 2017 — Hooligan Sparrow, which had its national broadcast premiere in on PBS’ POV series in 2016, has won the 2016 Peabody Award. POV (Point of View) is American television’s longest-running independent documentary series now in its 30th broadcast season. The New York Times‘ Op-Docs series also received an award for the Oscar-nominated short 4.1 Miles, which will premiere on June 26, 2017 during POV’s 30th season. The 76th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony will take place May 20, 2017 and will be hosted by Rashida Jones in New York.
About Hooligan Sparrow by Nanfu Wang:
The danger is palpable as intrepid young filmmaker Nanfu Wang follows maverick activist Ye Haiyan (aka Hooligan Sparrow) and her band of colleagues to southern China to seek justice in the case of six elementary school girls allegedly sexually abused by their principal. Marked as enemies of the state, the activists are under constant government surveillance and face interrogation, harassment and imprisonment. Sparrow continues to champion girls’ and women’s rights and arms herself with the power of social media. Filmmaker Wang becomes a target, too, and must deal with destroyed cameras and intimidation.
“Many of those who appeared in Hooligan Sparrow are in prison or under residential surveillance, including the human rights lawyer Wang Yu and activists Jia Lingmin and Shan Lihua,” said Wang. “We’re very grateful that POV has helped bring the film to a wide audience across the country. We hope the Peabody Award will make more people aware of the people in the film and that their struggle for human rights in China is very far from over.”
“Nanfu’s film is a powerful expose of unchecked bureaucracy and a heartening tribute to the power of brave citizens holding their governments accountable,” said POV executive producer Justine Nagan. “The Peabody is a fitting capstone to a year of accolades for Nanfu and her first feature film. Bringing independent, emerging filmmakers to American audiences is core to POV’s mission, and we are honored to accept this year’s Peabody Award with the team.”
Credits:
Executive Producers: Andy Cohen, Alison Klayman; Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor: Nanfu Wang; Creative Producer: Peter Lucas; Co-Producer: Michael Shade; Graphics: Garry Waller; Music: Nathan Halpern, Chris Ruggiero; Writers: Nanfu Wang, Mark Monroe
POV series credits: Executive Producers: Justine Nagan and Chris White; Vice President, Content Strategy and Engagement: Eliza Licht; Associate Producer: Nicole Tsien; Coordinating Producer: Nikki Heyman
POV begins its 30th season on PBS on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 9 p.m. (check local listings) with Dalya’s Other Country by Julia Meltzer, as well as the shorts 4.1 Miles and From Damascus to Chicago. POV’s other three 76th Annual Peabody Awards finalists follow (visit www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom/ for descriptions, links, embeddable trailers, art and press releases):
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Produced by American Documentary, Inc., POV is public television’s premier showcase for nonfiction films. Since 1988, POV has been the home for the world’s boldest contemporary filmmakers, celebrating intriguing personal stories that spark conversation and inspire action. Always an innovator, POV discovers fresh new voices and creates interactive experiences that shine a light on social issues and elevate the art of storytelling. With our documentary broadcasts, original online programming and dynamic community engagement campaigns, we are committed to supporting films that capture the imagination and present diverse perspectives.
American Documentary, Inc. (www.amdoc.org/)
American Documentary, Inc. (AmDoc) is a multimedia company dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in mainstream media outlets. AmDoc is a catalyst for public culture, developing collaborative strategic engagement activities around socially relevant content on television, online and in community settings. These activities are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation.
