Mao's Great Famine
Series Overview
Between 1958 and 1962, China lived through tragedy on an epic scale. The Great Leap Forward conceived by Mao so that China could drive industrial output ahead of Great Britain and achieve autonomy from the might of the neighbouring USSR led to a catastrophic famine resulting in the death of between 36 and 55 million people. But the tragedy was masked by an official lie, because while China was starving to death, the grain stores were full. Based on previously unheard testimony by survivors, rare archive footage, secret documents and interviews with the leading historians on this catastrophe, this film provides, for the first time, an insight into the folly of the Great Leap Forward. It examines the mechanisms and political decisions that led to famine, stripping away the incredible secrecy surrounding the campaign, and exposing the lie which continues even today as to who was responsible, and the true human cost.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 1 Episodes
52 min per episode
2012 – 2012
Premiered: Thu, Mar 8, 2012
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 1: “Mao's Great Famine”
Between 1958 and 1962, China lived through tragedy on an epic scale. The Great Leap Forward conceived by Mao so that China could drive industrial output ahead of Great Britain and achieve autonomy from the might of the neighbouring USSR led to a catastrophic famine resulting in the death of between 36 and 55 million people. Three years of natural disasters: it is in these terms that the Chinese Communist Party today justifies this terrible outcome. But the tragedy was masked by an official lie, because while China was starving to death, the grain stores were full. Based on previously unheard testimony by survivors, rare archive footage, secret documents and interviews with the leading historians on this catastrophe, this film provides, for the first time, an insight into the folly of the Great Leap Forward. It examines the mechanisms and political decisions that led to famine, stripping away the incredible secrecy surrounding the campaign, and exposing the lie which continues even today as to who was responsible, and the true human cost
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Patrick Cabouat
Philippe Grangereau, Patrick Cabouat
Department Leadership Roster
Philippe Grangereau
Writer
Patrick Cabouat
Director
Patrick Cabouat
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Mao's Great Famine.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mao's Great Famine
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What is Mao's Great Famine about?
Between 1958 and 1962, China lived through tragedy on an epic scale. The Great Leap Forward conceived by Mao so that China could drive industrial output ahead of Great Britain and achieve autonomy from the might of the neighbouring USSR led to a catastrophic famine resulting in the death of between 36 and 55 million people. But the tragedy was masked by an official lie, because while China was starving to death, the grain stores were full. Based on previously unheard testimony by survivors, rare archive footage, secret documents and interviews with the leading historians on this catastrophe, this film provides, for the first time, an insight into the folly of the Great Leap Forward. It examines the mechanisms and political decisions that led to famine, stripping away the incredible secrecy surrounding the campaign, and exposing the lie which continues even today as to who was responsible, and the true human cost.
How many seasons does Mao's Great Famine have?
Mao's Great Famine comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Mao's Great Famine?
Key cast members in Mao's Great Famine include Not specified.
Who created or directed Mao's Great Famine?
Mao's Great Famine was developed and directed by Patrick Cabouat.