In the Same Breath

IN THE SAME BREATH is a brilliant and challenging recount of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. This highly topical documentary tracks the U.S. and Chinese governments' response from the first reports in Wuhan to the pandemic’s ebullition in the U.S. Director Nanfu Wang (“One Child Nation,” “I Am Another You” – CIFF41, “Hooligan Sparrow” – CIFF40) was born in China and currently resides in America with her young son. In her distinct filmmaking style, a personal perspective broadens her examination of the world’s response to the pandemic, while her investigative approach uses first-hand interviews and rare on-the-ground footage to reveal overwhelmed hospitals, government censorship, whistleblower backlash, and overtaxed medical workers—challenging official government reports. The film shockingly documents both governments' strategic withholding and releasing of information when it best suited their leadership positions and the devastating impact on everyday citizens. The result is a stunning and haunting exposé of two administrations' misinformation campaigns, prompting audiences to wonder how they might have fared if their governments had been more forthcoming. (In English and Mandarin with subtitles) — R.R.