Chinese Film Starring Convicted Murderer Pulled After Controversy, Official Cites Violations

(CNA, by Chang Shu-ling, Beijing, 21st) The Chinese film "Mom from Prison," which features a real-life female prisoner portraying herself, has been embroiled in controversy for allegedly "whitewashing" a murderer, despite winning an award abroad. The Shanghai Film Bureau announced today that it has halted the film's release, citing violations in its filing and review process. According to a report by ThePaper.cn, the Shanghai Film Bureau stated on the 21st that it had received complaints from the public regarding the film "Mom from Prison" and was taking the matter very seriously. The film, which was registered as a project in July 2021, was found to have irregularities in its application for project registration and review process after a preliminary investigation. The bureau has now stopped the film's screening and will conduct a serious investigation and handle the matter in accordance with the "Film Industry Promotion Law" and other relevant laws and regulations. "Mom from Prison" is adapted from a real spousal homicide case in Shaanxi Province, telling the true story of its protagonist, Zhao Xiaohong (original name Zhao Xiaohong). In 2009, she was imprisoned after accidentally killing her abusive husband while resisting violence. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison for "intentional injury" and deprived of political rights for 5 years. The film was originally scheduled for release on the 30th of this month but recently faced a large-scale boycott from mainland Chinese netizens. They pointed out that the court's ruling did not recognize that Zhao Xiaohong had suffered from domestic violence or acted in self-defense, and accused the filmmakers of "whitewashing" a murderer into an anti-domestic violence heroine. The fact that the protagonist participated in the filming while serving her sentence also raised questions. In mainland China, both the filming and public screening of movies must go through an approval process. "Mom from Prison" contains scenes from a real prison, indicating it had apparent support from the judicial system. It is rumored that the film was initially approved under the guise of filming a "documentary on prison education and reform" but ultimately turned out to be a feature film. Last year, protagonist Zhao Xiaohong won the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain for her role in the film.