Free Film Screening & Expert Panel: Award-winning Documentary "State Organs"
Venue: Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Organizations: Rotary Club of Blacksburg
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Event Types: Arts & Theatre, Speaking Engagements
Cost: Free

Description:
The Rotary Club of Blacksburg presents the Free Film Screening and Expert Panel for "State Organs" on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at The Lyric Theatre.

Masterfully directed by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Raymond Zhang and accompanied by an evocative score from Emmy Award-winning composer Daryl Bennett, State Organs has garnered 50 international awards and was an official contender for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. Based on true events, the film chronicles the heart-wrenching journeys of two families as they relentlessly searched for their loved ones who mysteriously disappeared while in police custody. Their pursuit of truth uncovered a systemic, state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting operation, one that continues to this day.

In the recent New York Times bestseller "Killed to Order" (released March 17, 2026), investigative journalist Jan Jekielek examines the evolution of the transplant tourism and why awareness is more critical than ever. As a journalist and a Rotarian, Jan recognizes the global grassroots efforts of Rotary members in bringing this humanitarian issue to light. Jan will be sharing his views as a panelist.

Audience members will also hear the firsthand experience from Winston Liu, a survivor of religious persecution in China. Winston graduated from Tsinghua University, China’s prestigious engineering institution. Because of his faith in Falun Gong he was jailed four times and endured mental and physical torture.

The event will be followed by an exclusive Q&A with a survivor of religious persecution in China and leading voices in medicine, journalism, and human rights. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of truth, courage, and action.

Panelists:
• Dr. Jessica Russo, Mental Health Advisor, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting
• Mr. Zongyi Hu, Retired Scientist, NIH, Founder of ChinaScope
• Mr. Winston Liu, Survivor of Religious Persecution in China
• Mr. Jan Jekielek, Journalist and Host, American Thought Leaders, Author of New York Times Best Seller "Killed to Order"

Admission is free with light refreshments provided.

Seating is limited. Please reserve your tickets online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panel-discussion-and-screening-of-award-winning-documentary-state-organs-tickets-1986041692164?aff=next3days.

Registration will close once capacity is reached.

Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM.

Co-sponsors of the event are the Rotary District 7610, District Action Group Against Slavery and the End Forced Organ Harvesting Rotary Satellite Club of CAAHT.

The Lyric Theatre is located at 135 College Avenue in Blacksburg, VA.

For more information, visit: https://www.thelyric.com/movies/ or https://www.facebook.com/RotaryBlacksburg or https://www.facebook.com/lyric.blacksburg or https://www.instagram.com/thelyrictheatre/ or call 540-951-4771.

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