Petition

One of the key charges of the political documentary is to give the disenfranchised a voice. "Petition" is an outstanding case in point. For twelve years, Chinese artist and filmmaker Zhao Liang has observed people from all over China who have attempted to submit their grievances to the petition office of the state in Beijing. Kafka could not have imagined this authority any more preposterous and cynical. No one is helped here, but many of those seeking help must defend themselves instead against groups of thugs who are sent after them from their home regions. Still, many try for years to have their rights acknowledged after all.