(Minghui.org) The movie “The Bleeding Edge” had its British premiere in the Speaker’s State Rooms of the Palace of Westminster in London on the evening of September 6, 2016, at the invitation of the Rt Hon John Bercow MP (member of Parliament), the Speaker of the House of Commons.
The film is based on real events and facts collected in the ongoing investigation into the China's state-sanctioned organ harvesting crimes, mainly targeting imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners.
About 100 people attended the screening, including MPs from the House of Lords and House of Commons and representatives of foreign embassies.
Group photo of Rt Hon John Bercow MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and movie director Leon Lee, lead actress Anastasia Lin, and executive producer Jason Loftus.
The film's lead actress Anastasia Lin, director Leon Lee, and executive producer Jason Loftus spoke during the Q&A session after the screening.
Anastasia Lin won Miss World Canada in 2015 and is an activist for human rights in China.
Speaker of the House of Commons Praises Human Rights Efforts
MP Bercow speaks before the screening
MP Bercow spoke before the screening and commended Anastasia Lin's contribution to human rights. He said he admired her for speaking out against the repressive regime, though it would be easier and more comfortable to remain silent, as many in her position have, for fear it would affect their careers.
MP Jim Shannon: We Must Speak for Those in Need
MP Jim Shannon speaks after the film screening.
MP Jim Shannon said during the question and answer session held after the film that the courage of the film's cast and crew would encourage more people to join the effort against forced organ harvesting in China.
He said in an interview, “I think it is very much needed for people to pay attention to the live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners.” He expects to see more MPs expressing their outrage and calling for a change in China.
He stated, “It is important to speak for those in need.”
Chair of Human Rights Committee of the Conservative Party: Film Brings to Life the Suffering of Falun Gong Practitioners
MP Fiona Bruce, Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Conservative Party.
MP Fiona Bruce, Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Conservative Party, invited Anastasia Lin to the UK twice to testify on China's human rights situation.
After seeing the film, Ms. Bruce said she hopes that the UK and the whole world will take action against the CCP's live organ harvesting.
She said, “This film brings to life the suffering of the Falun Gong practitioners. Anastasia Lin portrays that so sensitively.”
“It is important that the governments around the world take a stand against this (live organ harvesting). It is encouraging that the US has already made a declaration and the European Union has made similar progress. I hope that our UK government will also do so.”
Benedict Rogers, vice chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Conservative Party.
Benedict Rogers, vice chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Conservative Party, said in an interview that the film is “significant and quite powerful.”
“This film needs to be seen very widely so that people can really understand the gravity of the issue of the forced organ harvesting in China,” he said.
Ethan Gutmann: Live Organ Harvesting Must Stop
Ethan Gutmann, China expert and senior reporter, in the discussion after the screening on September 6, 2016.
Ethan Gutmann pointed out during the Q&A session that the establishment of many organ transplantation centers in China coincided with the escalation of the persecution of Falun Gong.
In an interview afterward he said, “Many people have died. What concerns me most is, when this crime will be stopped?”
Director Leon Lee: The Film Is Based on True Events
Director Leon Lee speaks after the screening.
Director Leon Lee said that the power of the film was because it was based on true events and Anastasia Lin's excellent performance. The film won the 2016 Gabriel Award for best drama.
Lee also received the prestigious Peabody Award for his documentary “Human Harvest,” on the same subject. Lee said the reason the film “The Bleeding Edge” was made was to reach a wider audience with this important and urgent message.
Anastasia Lin: An Important and Powerful Role
Anastasia Lin speaks after the film.
Anastasia Lin said after the film that she was encouraged to see the speaker, MPs, and other viewers actively defend human rights and resolutely oppose the Chinese regime's live organ harvesting.
She said, “From the role I played, I felt the very strong and real human courage and fear. I feel proud to have played this role and for the opportunity to experience such unwavering belief.”
Category: Organ Harvesting
