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“Tiananmen Mission” Captivates Audience at AAS Film Expo 2025

It elicits emotional reflections and appeals to the global conscience

A team of AAS 2025 Film Expo organizers from the University of Illinois. They have been hosting the film expo alongside the Association of Asian Studies for several years, attracting film makers from all over the world to present films with Asian subjects. (Photo: Middle Land)

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By Josh Longster

March 27, 2025
4:39 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Columbus, OH – March 13, 2025 – The highly anticipated screening of Tiananmen Mission at the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Film Expo in the Greater Columbus Convention Center left an indelible mark on attendees. This extraordinary historical film, chronicling the harrowing yet inspiring journey of 1989 student leader Zhang Jiang, moved the audience with its raw storytelling, firsthand testimonies, and unflinching depiction of modern China’s struggle for freedom. The screening, held on the opening day of the AAS Annual Conference—the world’s largest gathering of Asian Studies scholars—drew a packed audience of academics, students, and advocates eager to engage with this pivotal piece of history. Following the film, an engaging Q&A session with the producer and history experts provided a deeper dive into the themes of democracy, faith, and

Columbus, OH – March 13, 2025 – The highly anticipated screening of Tiananmen Mission at the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Film Expo in the Greater Columbus Convention Center left an indelible mark on attendees. This extraordinary historical film, chronicling the harrowing yet inspiring journey of 1989 student leader Zhang Jiang, moved the audience with its raw storytelling, firsthand testimonies, and unflinching depiction of modern China’s struggle for freedom.

The screening, held on the opening day of the AAS Annual Conference—the world’s largest gathering of Asian Studies scholars—drew a packed audience of academics, students, and advocates eager to engage with this pivotal piece of history. Following the film, an engaging Q&A session with the producer and history experts provided a deeper dive into the themes of democracy, faith, and resilience.

A Profound and Emotional Audience Response

Viewers were visibly shaken and inspired by the powerful narrative. One audience member emphasized the film’s significance, particularly for faith communities:

“This film is so important for the Christian community. The sincerity and genuine attitude of Zhang Jiang in recounting his experiences will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.”

The film depiction of the Chinese Communist Party’s suppression of religious belief resonated deeply. One professor remarked:

“After nuclear war, I consider this the biggest threat our civilization faces. This film is crucial for raising awareness and ensuring that stories like Zhang Jiang’s are never forgotten.”

Others highlighted the film’s historical authenticity and emotional depth:

“I had never seen the full video of the Tiananmen Square ‘Tank Man’ moment before. Watching it unfold on screen, alongside Zhang Jiang’s firsthand account, was incredibly powerful.”

Calls for Wider Distribution

The event also sparked discussions on expanding the film’s reach. Many attendees voiced their hope that Tiananmen Mission could be screened globally, particularly for Chinese students abroad. One visiting assistant professor stated:

“Many young Chinese students remain unaware of the Tiananmen Square massacre. This documentary has the potential to inform and motivate them to reflect on their country’s past and future.”

The film maker also joined the audiences’ discussion on the past Chinese trauma, 1989 Tiananmen Student Movement, and how it might perpetuate an ‘Orientalist’ narrative:

“This film doesn’t exploit trauma—it leads to realization. That’s why so many viewers were moved to tears,” The director said.

A Lasting Tribute to Zhang Jiang

Tiananmen Mission stands as a powerful tribute to Zhang Jiang, who survived three gunshot wounds during the Tiananmen crackdown, lived in hiding for 16 years, and later became a pastor advocating for human rights. Tragically, Zhang passed away in 2019, making this film his only full recounting of the events that shaped his life and the lives of countless others.

The screening of Tiananmen Mission at the AAS Film Expo 2025 was more than just a cinematic experience—it was a call to remember, reflect, and act. As the film maker put it:

“This is not an old issue. Zhang Jiang’s story is an awakening.”