When an SOS note from a political prisoner in China is discovered in a box of Kmart Halloween decorations by a mom in Oregon, it sparks headlines that push the Chinese government to abolish its cruel labour camp system, and inspires the note’s author to expose ongoing human rights violations In China, despite the risks.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Leon Lee

Watch Letter from Masanjia - An SOS from Across the World on Prime Video

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Originally, I was intrigued by the story of an SOS note from a Chinese labour camp turning up in a box of Halloween decorations in Oregon and knew Western audiences would connect with the American mother who found it. I saw in this story a fresh way to drive home the issue of persecution of Chinese citizens in the eyes of North American audiences. Then, when I tracked down the author of the letter, I knew this one-in-a-million human rights “message in a bottle” story had so much potential and could even turn the tide of oppression in China. My hope is that the worldwide attention and pressure created by the film will have the same monumental impact that Sun Yi’s SOS letter had, or more so, in helping to end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetans, Christians and democracy activists in China.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The tension in Letter from Masanjia stems from one man’s struggle to maintain his conscience and dignity under torturous pressure from the state to break him, but the consequences of that struggle ripple out in amazing, ever-expanding levels, all of them captured on camera: from prison guards to fellow inmates — in his wife’s decision to stay or leave the marriage, his family’s support or abandonment of him, the secret police who are after him, an American family’s moral dilemma, the international community’s reaction, the outcry from the usually-insular Chinese public, in Beijing’s decision to abolish labour camps, and more. It’s as dramatic as a Hollywood blockbuster, but with spectacular real-world consequences.

Letter from Masanjia - Animated recreation of Sun Yi writing his SOS letter inside the Masanjia Labour Camp

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Personal themes in Letter from Masanjia are captured in confessional-style interviews with the subjects, Sun Yi and his wife Fu Ning. Through their eyes, we see how the persecution presses their marriage, their family ties, and their self-worth dangerously close to their breaking points, and sometimes beyond them. These personal moments capture self-doubt, tenderness, despair, and we follow the subjects, in real time, through very touching episodes in their lives. The universal themes in the film center around justice and freedom, human rights, and what help we in the free world can offer in the face of such a vast issue. I am a firm believer that when someone comes across an injustice in life, no matter what it is, they should take action. No matter how small it seems at the time, you never know where even one action will lead. If Julie had not reported Sun Yi’s letter, hundreds of thousands of innocents would still be in prison, so I hope people take home the message that a little help can go a long way.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

With Letter from Masanjia, a lot of footage of interviews with subject matter experts ended up on the cutting room floor. I and my team realized during the editing process that Sun Yi, our main character, was so strong and compelling that the story needed to be told by him, and about him, rather than by authorities. So the film naturally changed directions once we realized the strength and singularity of Sun Yi’s character.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Overwhelmingly positive and supportive. The film was invited into competition at Hot Docs, and they singled out Letter from Masanjia in their promotional materials twice: “can’t stop talking about” and “restored our faith in humanity” programmers’ picks. The film was featured in the Globe and Mail, POV Magazine, Maclean’s and even on CTV News. There seems to be a huge interest in sharing this story, which is amazing. We have heard from many reporters and audience members that the film had a profound impact on them and that many were brought to tears. It’s a tragic story but they feel hope in sharing it, as do I.

Letter from Masanjia - Sun Yi is reunited with Julie Keith, the woman who found his note in Oregon

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The high interest and positive impact has been surprising and I’m incredibly moved by the response so far. The film received a standing ovation at the premiere which was so humbling.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

The more people who hear about the film, the bigger the audience it will get and the more minds it can open to this important subject. We Are Moving Stories’ audience is exactly the compassionate, intelligent, and worldly subset who I had in mind for this film and who I feel would be motivated to act after seeing it.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I aim to connect primarily with broadcasters and also with buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and journalists since my goal is for the film to be seen in as many countries as possible. I feel this way can lead to the biggest impact and the most voices speaking up for the voiceless. My documentary Human Harvest was broadcast in over 25 countries, and I felt the impact was significant.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

People that have previewed the film have told me that they believe it has the power to turn the tide for China’s human rights. That is the reason I made this film and the ultimate impact I hope to achieve. On the road to that, I want to give viewers the ability to participate in meaningful actions which will show China’s leaders that the world knows what they’re doing behind closed doors, and that it won’t be tolerated. For now, the goal is to get as many people to see the film as possible, so they are touched by this story and feel compelled to help in some way.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

“Twenty notes were hidden by Sun Yi but only one was reported — how would you have responded to finding his SOS note in one of your products, asking for help to stop human rights violations?”

Would you like to add anything else?

If you see the film. Please vote for us for audience choice! You can help this film go a long way and have a big impact.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Rag Doll - a stop-motion animated short about a little girl who must navigate life alone after her parents become “disappeared” by the secret police in Northern China, and the boundless hope that lives in children’s spirits.

Interview: May 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Letter from Masanjia - An SOS from Across the World

Length: 77 minutes

Director: Leon Lee

Producer: Leon Lee

Writers: Leon Lee & Caylan Ford

About the writer, director and producer:

Leon Lee’s Peabody Award-winning Human Harvest: China’s Illegal Organ Trade screened in parliaments worldwide. He makes film to give voice to the voiceless.

Key cast: Sun Yi. Julie Keith. Fu Ning

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists.

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letterfrommasanjia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlyingCloudProd

Other: letterfrommasanjia.com

Made in association with: Hot Docs Deal Maker

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, Toronto

April 26, April 29, May 4

http://tinyurl.com/yafw4ter