State of Control

Two American filmmakers embark on an undercover expedition through China and Tibet during a particularly volatile period in the region’s modern history. Their daring journey initially takes them through Tibetan activism hubs in India and Nepal, before venturing into the sealed-off areas of Tibet amidst a sweeping media blackout that started in 2008 and persists today. Their mission is to engage with prominent Tibetan activists who are risking everything to protest against the Chinese government’s oppressive police state that shrouds the region in secrecy. As they operate under the radar, a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse ensues, with secret police monitoring the filmmakers round-the-clock. With their original plans jeopardized, they reluctantly point the lens on themselves as they become the hunted. Under constant surveillance leading to hotel break-ins, theft of equipment, cyber-hacking, and even espionage, the filmmakers face real peril to their lives. Fleeing back to the US becomes their only option. State of Control (2016) is available for free streaming online right here. On cineby and 123Movies, you can watch this compelling documentary unravel.