In the Name of Confucius

In the Name of Confucius is a stirring, thought-provoking documentary directed and written by Doris Liu. This documentary film from 2017 offers a dramatic and meaningful reflection on the influences of the Confucius Institutes, programs run by the Chinese government that claim to promote the understanding of Chinese culture and language.

As the film unfolds, Sonia Zhao, an ex-Chinese teacher from one of these Confucius Institutes and the main protagonist, discusses her personal experiences, the clandestine agenda of these institutes, and her dramatic escape from the system to apply for asylum in Canada. Through the course of the film, Zhao's experiences challenge viewers to question what is being taught in the name of Confucius and the hidden costs of having these programs in our educational institutions.

In the Name of Confucius also notably features Anastasia Lin, an award-winning Canadian actress, human rights advocate, and Miss World Canada. Lin is renowned for using her platform to raise awareness about human rights issues in China. She emerges as one of the global voices on the controversial nature of the Confucius Institutes' programs and their potential implications on global freedom and democracy.

Adding more depth and gravitas to the narrative is Chris Bolton. Used as a counterpoint in the film, this former Toronto District School Board's trustee serves to bring a more balanced perspective, having had first-hand involvement with Confucius Institutes and championing their integration into Toronto's public-school system.

The film carefully explores the dichotomy between the Institutes' claimed purpose to promote Chinese language and culture abroad and the fears of them being a soft-power tool of the Chinese Communist Party. In its aim to examine the bigger picture, the film also suggests that the Institutes may serve as a potential channel to spread State-controlled messages and engage in industrial and military espionage.

In the Name of Confucius, is a striking piece of investigative filmmaking where personal stories and political implications intertwine. It's a tale of awakening consciousness, offering a stark realization about the Confucius Institutes' broader implications for academic freedom, human rights ideals, and democratic values. Viewers are encouraged to question the value of such foreign-run programs on their local soil and what they might mean for future global relations, particularly with China.

Aesthetically, the film is a thoughtful blend of video footage, interviews, and reenactments, designed to create a captivating narrative. Liu's smart filmmaking style keeps the viewer engaged, navigating the complex political issues and personal stories with delicate ease. The film also dissects the intricate details that bind together the Confucius Institutes' inner workings and their relationship with the world outside China. Each revelation is expertly unravelled, provoking viewers to delve deeper into the obscured truths and make informed perceptions.

Beyond its crisp storytelling, In the Name of Confucius, stimulates a dialogue about the idea of cultural invasion into foreign educational systems and the complexity of the global power dynamics involved. A chilling reminder of the potential threats to intellectual freedom and autonomy, the film serves as a wake-up call to democratic societies worldwide.

It's worth noting that Liu's robust documentary does not merely aim to stir controversy but also to inform and educate viewers about this real-world issue that affects hundreds of educational institutions and tens of thousands of school children worldwide.

In summary, In the Name of Confucius is a potent and compelling investigation into one of the world's largest educational programs. It not only exposes the hidden agendas of the Chinese authorities behind the Confucius Institutes but also brings to light how the Chinese Communist Party's influence infiltrates international borders and impacts the global educational landscape. This film is a must-watch for those invested in discussions about human rights, education, political powerplay, and global relations.