Qiu Jin (1875-1907) was a radical women's rights activist who defied tradition to become the leader of a revolutionary army. She attempted an armed uprising against the corrupt Qing Dynasty and became the first female martyr for China's 1911 Revolution. Qiu Jin is celebrated as a national heroine today.
While Qiu Jin is a familiar figure in China, she is largely unknown outside of the country. Autumn Gem is the first documentary film on Qiu Jin in the United States. Using scholar interviews, archival materials, and dramatic recreation scenes based on her original writings, Autumn Gem brings the story of Qiu Jin to life.