Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film

Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film


152: Violet Du Feng on "Hidden Letters"

January 10, 2023

During China's feudal era, women kept in seclusion developed a secret language called nüshu. Hidden Letters profiles two millennial women in China who are among the very few people keeping the language alive. The film was named to the Oscars' Short List of 15 documentary features that will be narrowed to five nominees later this month. 

Pure Nonfiction host Thom Powers interviews director Violet Du Feng about changes for women in China, the effects of capitalism in the country and her goals to reach both Chinese and western audiences. 

The conversation includes references to Lisa See's novel "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"; and the film's producers Mette Cheng Munthe Kaas and Jean Tsien (who was previously interviewed on episode 130).

On Instagram: @hiddenlettersfilm @purenonfiction