Risa Morimoto

New York, New York, United States
Profile Campaigns

Director/Producer

I am always amazed when anyone is able to get a film made and distributed. I think most filmmakers can agree that we don't choose to do this. &nbsp;It chooses us. &nbsp;We dedicate 3, 5, even 10 years of our lives to tell one story and once it is done, we can't wait to make the next one...a bit crazy don't you think? &nbsp; &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I was blessed with my first feature documentary project, <i>Wings of Defeat</i>. &nbsp;It was broadcast in 2009 on PBS (<i>Independent Lens</i>) and 17 countries including a theatrical release in Japan. &nbsp;I have since worked on numerous projects including producing and directing for television (<i>Selling NY</i> - HGTV; <i>Saved</i> - Animal Planet), universities (Stanford), corporate videos and other independent projects taking me to different parts of the world. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>CODE RED was born after I read an article in the New York Times about Deng Yujiao, a woman who killed a local government official because he made unwanted advances towards her. She was arrested and jailed. &nbsp;The subsequent online campaign that ensued led to her eventual release. &nbsp;I thought to myself, "Wow. &nbsp;This is a story that needs to be told." &nbsp;I called Diana and she was immediately on board. &nbsp;We did extensive research only to discover tons of similar stories happening all over China. &nbsp;China is transforming in so many ways but not without consequence. &nbsp;After a couple of production trips to China, we have come to realize the complexities of censorship (internet or otherwise) and that it is not a simple black and white issue between having internet freedom or not and that in fact, many Chinese people prefer censorship. &nbsp;Through CODE RED, we hope to give audiences a glimpse of the transformations happening in Chinese society told by not only from those who desire Internet freedom but also those who believe that &nbsp;the censorship system and one party rule must be protected at all costs.<div><br></div></div></div>

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