Join us at the Paul and Eslanda Robeson Cinema at The People’s Forum, created in the spirit of their love of art, film, and revolution.

Set during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, Dead to Rights follows A Chang, a postman who takes refuge in a photography studio as Japanese forces unleash terror across the city. Forced to develop photographs for the occupying army, he and a small group of civilians transform the studio into a sanctuary for refugees. When they discover photographic evidence documenting the atrocities being committed, they risk their lives to preserve the truth and expose the crimes to the world.

Inspired by historical events, the film examines the role of photography, memory, and witness in the face of mass violence. Through the experiences of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Dead to Rights explores the courage required to document injustice and the responsibility of future generations to confront historical truth.

Directed by Shen Ao, whose previous work includes acclaimed social dramas in contemporary China, Dead to Rights combines intimate storytelling with a powerful historical narrative. The film became one of the most commercially successful Chinese films of 2025 and has been praised for its portrayal of survival, resistance, and the preservation of evidence against attempts to erase history.

China | 2025 | Shen Ao | 137m

This is a free educational program, however, in order to maintain a safe capacity level, we ask that you get an $8 solidarity ticket to reserve your participation and to sustain our educational programming.