Hard to Believe (2016)

Hard to Believe, a documentary directed by Ken Stone and Irene Silber in 2016 dives into a chilling and little-known issue: the forced live organ harvesting from Chinese prisoners of conscience.

In a world where governments have historically silenced dissenters for their political or spiritual beliefs, the unthinkable unfolds.

But this time, it’s different. The film sheds light on a disturbing practice that has occurred tens of thousands of times: doctors carving up innocent people to harvest their organs for sale. The victims are often prisoners of conscience, including practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement persecuted in China.

What makes this tragedy even more shocking is the global response—or rather, the lack of it. Despite the magnitude of this human rights violation, major media outlets have largely turned a blind eye. Why? Is economic influence the reason behind the silence?

Hard to Believe confronts these questions head-on. Through powerful interviews with experts, including investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann, attorney David Matas, and others, the film exposes the horrifying reality.

It reveals how this unethical practice persists and the complicity of various actors, both within China and internationally.

Produced by Swoop Films, the documentary unflinchingly examines the dark nexus of politics, medicine, and human rights. Award-winning directors Ken Stone and Irene Silber unravel the layers of this complex issue, urging viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth.

As we watch, we grapple with the unimaginable: how doctors became unwitting accomplices in murder, and how the world collectively turned away. Hard to Believe serves as a reminder that our silence perpetuates suffering, and our awareness can ignite change.

This film challenges us to question our complicity, demand accountability, and advocate for justice. It’s a call to action—one that resonates far beyond the screen.