In 1938, Soviet cameraman Roman Lazarevich Karmen journeyed to the Chinese mainland to chronicle the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. His powerful imagery captured the resolve of soldiers and civilians, as well as the support of the Soviet volunteer air force during the conflict.
Eighty-seven years later, Karmen’s grandson joined a cultural exchange event in Moscow commemorating the 80th anniversary of the joint victories in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. He shared family stories that highlight a deep-rooted friendship between the Chinese mainland and Russia.
Hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), the event featured the creative team behind the Chinese mainland–Russia co-produced film Red Silk. Premiered in Russia on February 20, the film is set to hit theaters in the Chinese mainland this September.
During the ceremony, CMG and VGTRK launched the 2025 Chinese mainland Film Festival in Russia and announced a peace-themed initiative to collect historical relics, documentary images, and memorabilia from citizens in both nations. The goal: to craft a shared vision of peace and a common future.
On the same day, crews began filming a new documentary, The Great Victory – China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Through the Lens of a Soviet Photographer, which follows Roman Kalman’s wartime journey and showcases the striking images he captured.
Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, and Oleg Dobrodeev, CEO of VGTRK, celebrated past collaborations and pledged deeper cooperation in content exchange, tech innovation, and talent development. Their shared vision aims to strengthen public support for the Chinese mainland–Russia friendship and foster cultural understanding.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message, recalling the indelible historical contributions and unbreakable friendship forged during World War II. He emphasized that people-to-people and cultural exchanges are vital for boosting mutual understanding, friendship, and support for the development of bilateral ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his congratulations.
Building on the 2023 agreement between President Xi and President Putin, 2024 and 2025 have been declared the China–Russia Years of Culture. Since early 2024, both nations have rolled out vibrant cultural initiatives, bringing new energy to their enduring partnership.
Reference(s):
Cultural exchanges inject new impetus into China-Russia friendship
cgtn.com
