Ai Weiwei: Without Fear or Favour

Ai Weiwei: Without Fear or Favour provides an in-depth look at the life and work of China’s most politically outspoken artist. The BBC production follows Ai Weiwei’s journey from his childhood during the Cultural Revolution to his rise as an internationally renowned artist and activist.

As a political activist, Ai Weiwei has been highly critical of his government’s stance on human rights and democracy. The documentary reveals his courageous fight for artistic freedom of expression while living under authoritarian rule. It showcases Ai’s diverse artistic portfolio, including his architectural work on the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympics, his provocative installations, and his use of social media as a platform for political expression. It also highlights controversial projects, such as his collection of the names of children who died in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which brought him into direct confrontation with Chinese authorities.

Interviews with Ai Weiwei reveal his thoughts on art, politics, and freedom of expression in China. The film also features conversations with art critics, curators, and fellow artists who provide context for Ai’s work and its impact on the global art scene. The documentary was broadcast before Ai Weiwei’s eleven-week detention in 2011 by Chinese authorities and his subsequent release following a large international outcry.