Death in Montmartre

The documentary explores the tragic life of Qiu Miaojin, who took her own life in Paris's Montmartre district in 1995. It examines her impact on literature, particularly with her autobiographical novel Last Words in Montmartre, which gained prominence after its English publication by New York Review Books over two decades later.

Through interviews with literary figures from Taiwan, France, and the U.S., Death in Montmartre highlights Qiu's significance as the first openly lesbian novelist in Chinese literature. The film also reflects on her earlier work, Notes of a Crocodile, which became a cultural touchstone for the Taiwanese lesbian community.

This documentary not only traces Qiu's life but also provides insights into LGBTQ culture and the evolution of lesbian literature. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersections of literature, identity, and history, particularly within the context of Taiwanese and Chinese narratives.