Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case

Following on from 2012's Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (though not from the same filmmakers), this political documentary finds the artist, activist and dissident defying Chinese authorities as he lives under house arrest, following three months in solitary confinement.

"In recent years, conceptual artist Ai Weiwei had become a significant voice in opposing the Chinese government. This led to his 2011 arrest, which lasted three months. The Fake Case follows Ai Weiwei after his return home, though he is still on parole and being sued for tax evasion: a lawsuit that he dubs 'The Fake Case'... Captures Ai Weiwei with his family in and around his house, during interviews and while dealing with uncertainty and new provocations. The artist reflects on his experiences in prison and the Chinese political climate, and wonders how far he should take his activism – after all, he now has to worry about his wife and son.

"Documents his nerve-racking game of chess with the authorities, who keep coming up with new charges against him. Strengthened by the support of his sympathisers, which comes in the form of letters and donations, Ai Weiwei toils onward in his struggle. The troubles with his enemies provide inspiration for making new works of art, the only outlet for him to vent his frustration." (IDFA 2013)

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