Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica
AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT follows Chinese revolutionary artist Ai Weiwei as he brings his artistic vision and iconoclastic activism to Puccini’s Turandot at the Rome Opera House. During his operatic directorial debut, he uses the opera as a backdrop to address many issues that plague mankind including the Ukraine war, refugee crises, the Covid pandemic, and more. One hundred years later, the film shows that Puccini’s opera is still as vital and relevant as ever. According to esteemed choreographer, Chiang Ching -- his life-long friend featured in the film -- it is also a reflection of Ai Weiwei’s life. A fitting project for an artist known for his installations, sculpture and photography that denounce authority and champion human rights and freedom of expression.