The central theme of this documentary is timely. It’s about jazz—a democratic form of music—existing in a country with a long tradition of adherence to central authority—namely, China. 

“Jazz in China,” reveals the significant influence of African-American jazz musicians and twentieth century technologies in the spread of jazz in China and its appeal to a largely young audience. The documentary includes interviews with leading indigenous jazz musicians, sinologists, historians, and jazz club patrons in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as archival and contemporary performance footage. 

“Jazz in China" is based on Eugene Marlow's 2018 acclaimed book of the same name.