Total Trust

Directed by Jialing Zhang
Film Movement
2023
97 Minutes
Netherlands, Germany
Mandarin
Documentary, Asian
Not Rated
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TOTAL TRUST is an eye-opening and deeply disturbing story of surveillance technology, abuse of power and censorship. What can happen when our privacy is ignored? Through the haunting stories of people in China who have been monitored, intimidated and even tortured, TOTAL TRUST tells of the dangers of technology like Big Data and AI in the hands of unbridled power. Taking China as a mirror, the film sounds an alarm about the increasing use of surveillance tools around the world - even in democratically run countries. If this is the present, what does our future look like?

Director & Cast

  • Director: Jialing Zhang

Where to Watch

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "A thorough overview of China’s multi-pronged assault on the privacy and rights of its populace."
    Screen Daily
  • "Her chilling, damning film, directed from outside China... with the help of dozens of anonymous local collaborators, stands as... a compelling warning of unchecked surveillance, holding an incriminating mirror to our would-be watchers."
    Nick Bradshaw, Sight & Sound
  • "Captivating and chilling at the same time... takes us deep into the Chinese surveillance state.... It is the observational documentary at its best...."
    Aleksandra Biernacka, Modern Times Review
  • "It’s a haunting film, to be sure, but absolutely vital. In a land where half a billion cameras are pointed without permission, this is one camera bravely pointed by filmmakers who capture something both cautionary and extraordinarily compelling."
    Jason Gorber, POV Magazine
  • "It is an urgent, gripping and frightening film, and serves as much as a warning for the rest of the world as it describes China and its increasing authoritarianism"
    Vladan Petkovic, Cineuropa
Winner
Best Feature
It's All True - Int'l. Documentary Film Festival
Nominated
CPH:DOX Award
CPH:DOX
Nominated
Camera Justitia Award
The Hague Movies that Matter Festival
Official Selection
DOC NYC
Official Selection
Hot Docs Festival
Official Selection
Sydney Film Festival
Official Selection
Sheffield Doc Fest