The Wisdom of China is a documentary film whish goes through China with the eyes of 5,000 years of Chinese wisdom.
Denis Paul Circo & Ishma Valenti are the directors of this couragous social and political documentary film which has recently premiered in various film festivals around the world. It is our pleasure to speak to Denis Paul Circo regarding the making of The Wisdom of China.
What was the inspiration behind the making of “The Wisdom of China”?
The inspiration behind the making of “The Wisdom of China” began many years ago in 1989 when I saw the first photos of the Tank Man from Tiananmen Square. I had been a student of Lau Tzu and the Tao Te Ching for many decades and wondered what the wisdom of Lau Tzu would have to say about the events in China today. Fast forward to 2019 and Hong Kong and the absolute raw courage of the “Freedom Fighters” in the streets of Hong Kong rekindled the desire to express the vision of “The Wisdom of China” overlaid upon the images of today’s China.
What were some of the challenges of making this indie documentary film?
Frankly the most difficult part of the making this was “stomaching” the unbelievable brutality of the CCP and their horrific actions without exception against every religious group.
When did you realize that you wanted to work in media and make films and what was the first film project that you created?
A long time ago. I have always valued the ability of stories to teach in a concise manner.
Which directors have been influential in your work and why?
The obvious ones, Spielberg, Scorsese, Coppola, Tarantino, Lumet, Wilder and Fellini
How difficult is it to find the right audience for a documentary film like “The Wisdom of China”?
We do not believe it will be difficult at all, as the world is waking up to the horrible, criminal activities of the CCP.
What is the most challenging aspect of making an independent film?
Getting started
How can cinema change the world and how can documentaries have an impact on society?
The impact is almost unlimited in the ability of documentaries and cinema in general to make this world a better place.
What is your next film project as a director? Some of the projects that are upcoming for us are Do Not Play at God; The Shroud; Byrd; The Ridge; and The Indian Hater.
