In her searing Oscar-shortlisted HBO Documentary “In the Same Breath”, award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang challenges both the Chinese and U.S. governments’ initial responses to the pandemic. As she did in her previous film, the devastating “One Child Nation”, Nanfu relentlessly questions government authority and gives voice to those who insist on telling the truth, even at the risk of heavy personal cost.

Ken sat down with Nanfu to talk about this incredibly powerful film, which combines reporting, internet sleuthing and compelling personal narratives to re-examine the critical early period of the pandemic. What if we could roll back the clock and have a “re-do” on the first days and weeks of the pandemic? What if the Chinese government hadn’t silenced those who called attention to the first Covid cases? How did incorrect information from some in the U.S. government do us harm? As someone who grew up in China and now calls the U.S. home, Nanfu has an insightful perspective on both countries. Not only does she insist on asking the hard questions, but manages to show us the possibilities for a better world. “In the Same Breath” is now streaming on HBO Max.

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