04 April 2011

Ai Weiwei detained. Here is his TED film

The news that Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has been detained by authorities has prompted significant concern here at TED HQ. We had shown a film of him at last month’s conference, an unexpected and courageous statement about his treatment by the government, social change, the power of the web, and his hope for the future of China. The film, which was shown as Ai Weiwei himself watched live over the web in the middle of the night, prompted a huge standing ovation from the TED audience.

TED is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical organization, and we understand the Chinese authorities’ concern at anything which might provoke social unrest. But for anyone who believes in the power of ideas, of human imagination, it is heartbreaking to see one of the world’s great artists shackled in this way. We will be tracking developments carefully. Here is the film.

– Chris Anderson

Discuss this Blog Post

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Ed Schulte
Apr 4 2011
Very Prompt!! and Good use of the “tools” at hand TED.
River Fu
Apr 5 2011
not many people in China know about Aiweiwei nor his work and efforts. The media control is some what effective I have to admit, even my colleagues would argue that those people should be detained if they are threatening the “national security”. OK, all what I worry is: everyone can disappear anytime with no reason, just like one Chinese gov official declared recently: Don’t expect law to be your shield. I don’t want war, I don’t need white terror either.
Andy Liu
Apr 5 2011
Thank you for putting this up Chris. I appropriated Americans and other Westerners who are bringing new concept to China. However the future is on our own hands. I am planning on quitting my job and go back to China to start my own e-commerce business in July but now I am AFRAID of going back to my own country… Is there anything that my friends and I can do to support TED in China? I hope one day we can have a conference like this but all in Chinese.
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Teru Wong
Apr 5 2011
I suppose the Chinese authorities will not block us… with the disclaimer as follow “TED is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical organization, and we understand the Chinese authorities’ concern at anything which might provoke social unrest”.
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Mark Waldron
Apr 9 2011
great delivery TED, spread the love!
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Mark Waldron
Apr 9 2011
A must watch, and a must watch what happens here with this situation..!! Come on world, surely we can live in a better place than this..?
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steven niu
Apr 12 2011
China is not like the West and will not become like the West. The China society is much more complicated than you guys can imagine. No matter who is in charge in China, all these issues can only be worked out in the same way. How come you guys never understand the core of the problem? Too young, too naive…
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Lucas Ogasawara
Apr 14 2011
hi, from brazil, video made for FOLHA.COM, one of the most read newspapers.
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