'Total Trust': A Chilling Glimpse into China's Surveillance State

Jialing Zhang's documentary, releasing December 8, focuses on three women's harrowing experiences under increased government scrutiny.

Jialing Zhang's documentary 'Total Trust' reveals the chilling reality of life under the Chinese surveillance state, focusing on three women whose lives have been upended by the government.
Zijuan Chen and Wenzu Li, both wives of imprisoned defense attorneys, are subjected to harassment and increased surveillance, with their digital data manipulated to restrict their movements.
Journalist Sophia Xueqin Huang, another subject of the documentary, was arrested on charges of 'inciting subversion of state power' while en route to study in the U.K.
The film highlights the role of ordinary Chinese citizens who police their own neighbors, earning points for their social credit report.
The documentary is set to be released in theaters on Friday, December 8.