The documentary is the story of exiled Uyghur leader Rebiya Kadeer. Ms Kadeer is an activist and human rights campaigner for the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang Province. The film portrays the challenges faced by the Uyghur leader, who has spent six years in a Chinese prison for her activities and how her family has been affected.
Thousands of Chinese hijackers attacked the Melbourne Film Festival website after the Melbourne Age newspaper revealed that the festival's organisers had ignored a Chinese Government request to withdraw the film.
The protests included "death threats and boycotts by Chinese film makers," said the Melbourne Age.
Maori Television was contacted in New Zealand yesterday by representatives from the Chinese Embassy.
Mr Zhou Heng, Deputy Head of Mission asked that the channel cancel the broadcasting of the documentary.
According to the official party, “Ms Kadeer was linked to terrorist groups and … the content of the film distorted the facts about China's policies regarding treatment of ethnic minorites.”
However, Maori Television would "stand" by its decision, said Chief Executive Jim Mather in a media release.
“We invited them to appear on our current affairs programme to publicly state their position," said Sonya Haggie, Manager of Sales, Marketing and Communication, “but they declined. They said they wanted to maintain a low key approach.”
The officials did not "directly" convey any possible "damage" if Maori Television stood by their decision to screen the film, but the station was told that China and New Zealand enjoyed a "positive" relationship and China wanted to continue developing this relationship.
Ms Haggie had not heard of any complaints regarding the screening of the documentary, but supporters had encouraged Maori Television "not to buckle under to this pressure from the Chinese."
“It is very unusual to be approached by representatives of a foreign government and asked not to broadcast a programme.” This had prompted the station to send a reporter to Sydney to interview Ms Kadeer, she said.
“We are aware of what happened in Melbourne with the website and the hate mail they received. We are confident that we have good security in place in terms of our website.
“But we will be extra vigilant.
“Maori Television strongly believes in the fundamental right for all people to freedom of speech," said Mr Mather.
“We will at all times protect Maori Television's right, free from political and/or editorial interference, to broadcast the stories of indigenous people both from New Zealand and throughout the world.”
The documentary will screen on 1 September 2009 at 8.30 p.m.
