New documentary tells little-known stories about Deng

BEIJING - A new documentary about Deng Xiaoping will unveil first-hand historical materials while exploring the inner world of the late leader through story-telling.

At a press conference held on Saturday, chief writer of the documentary Long Pingping said the 20-episode documentary, which will air on China Central Television (CCTV), focuses on Deng's personal belongings, such as his clothes and letters, with the stories in each episode centered around the objects.

Long, an expert on Deng Xiaoping and his theories at the Party Literature Research Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is also the chief scriptwriter of a popular 48-episode TV serial about Deng that is being aired during prime time on CCTV.

The documentary, with its title translated as "Stories about the Possessions of Deng Xiaoping," includes interviews with over 100 historical witnesses as well as videos, photos and first-hand accounts, according to Long.

"Some materials shown in this documentary have never been exposed before, and many of the stories are not well known," he said. "By telling the stories, we aspire to explore the inner world of Deng Xiaoping and fully show his spirit and charisma."

Long said Deng's family supported making the documentary.

Deng Xiaoping's daughter, Deng Rong, told Xinhua that the stories in the production are "fresh and lively."

"What we see in the documentary is an ordinary Deng Xiaoping in daily life instead of a noble national leader," she said.

"Unlike how he was on the political stage, my father was a quiet person in private. When we kids played around at home, he just quietly looked at us and smiled."

"He was not strict with the children and never scolded us," she said, "he respected and believed in us. He always let us make our own decisions in terms of our studies, careers and marriage."

Deng said that she had never seen some of the videos and photos in the documentary, including some footage and photos of her father during war and the early years after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"The best part of this documentary is that it will show the most original and truthful things to the audience," she added.