American Association of University Women Screening Recap

Adam and Rae with Qiu Jin's great-grandnephew!

This past Saturday, we screened Autumn Gem at the Willow Glen Branch Library in San Jose. The event was sponsored by the local chapter of the American Association of University Women, an organization dedicated to advancing “equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.” Marilyn, Linda, Mary, and the rest of the AAUW staff did an excellent job advertising the event. We filled up the Community Room to capacity with 63 people! Also in attendance was Kien-Wei, our friend who played one of the Qing soldiers in the film.

During the question and answer session, a question was asked about the whereabouts of Qiu Jin’s descendants. I mentioned that we’ve tried to locate Qiu Jin’s granddaughter, but have not yet been successful. “You just can’t enter Qiu Jin’s Granddaughter” in Google or Facebook and hope to get the address!” Imagine our surprise near the end of the Q&A when a Chinese gentleman in the front row raised his hand and stated that he was the great grandnephew of Qiu Jin! Charles then explained that he was very moved and honored watching our documentary. Suffice it to say, we were honored to have him at our screening!

Following the film, the AAUW held a reception for us in its house just next door to the library. Over delectable cookies and juice, we discussed the film and our future plans with the attendees. We also spoke at length with Charles and his wife; we’re looking forward to talking with him further about his memories of Qiu Jin from his parents and grandparents!

WP-SmugMug Plugin: http://tow.com/projects/wordpress/*[[](/batch.download.php?aid=6905027)Autumn Gem was screened at the Willow Glen Public Library in San Jose on Saturday, March 13, 2010.](http://photos.tow.com/812231990jkWDU-L.jpg) *The free screening of Autumn Gem was sponsored by the American Association of University Women. *Learn more about the AAUW. *Autumn Gem surveys. *Rae writes some last-minute changes to her presentation. *The crowd is getting ready for Autumn Gem. *Marilyn introduces us to the assembled crowd at the Willow Glen screening of Autumn Gem. *Rae gives her introductory remarks about the film. *Charles, the Great-Grandnephew of Qiu Jin, attended our screening at the Willow Glen Public Library in San Jose. *Rae answers questions from the crowd following the screening of Autumn Gem. *Charles introduces himself to the crowd as Qiu Jin’s great grandnephew. *Charles talks with Rae Chang following the screening of Autumn Gem. *Adam and Rae with Charles and his wife at the AAUW house following the Autumn Gem screening. *Michele and Jackie. *Kien-Wei was an extra from our film. Can you spot which scenes he was in? *Adam and Rae with Marilyn from the AAUW. *Thanks to Marilyn and Mary for organizing a great event!