For over two decades, Cao Haibin has wielded his lens like a time machine, diving into shadows long cast over the Chinese mainland city of Nanjing. His mission: to capture firsthand accounts of a chapter in history too often sidelined.
The director’s new documentary pays tribute to Chinese-American author Iris Chang, whose groundbreaking book, The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II, jolted global awareness—and exacted a heavy personal toll. Inspired by Chang’s fearless pursuit of truth, Cao and his team now face a new challenge: as the number of living survivors dwindles, every testimony echoes with the urgency of a ticking clock.
Traveling across continents, Cao’s crew gathers survivors scattered around the globe, recording memories that could vanish within years. In parallel, they unearth archival footage tucked away in corners of public and private collections, restoring fragile film reels that shed light on moments when humanity teetered on the brink.
Beyond preserving facts, these visual chronicles become cross-temporal dialogues—threads linking past and present, East and West. For today’s digitally connected generation, they offer more than history lessons: they’re a call to recognize how collective memory shapes peace and justice.
As Cao races against time, the question resonates: who will carry these stories forward? In an age where global citizens demand authenticity and context, this documentary stands as both warning and beacon—reminding us that truth, once recorded, can guide tomorrow.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
