At a crisp March evening in London, Chinese director Fang Li unveiled his latest documentary, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru. The film dives into a little-known chapter of World War II, retracing the October 1942 torpedoing of the Japanese cargo ship off the coast of the Chinese mainland and the remarkable rescue of 384 British prisoners of war by local fishermen.
Audiences have praised the film for transcending national borders, politics and cultural differences. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, the story shines a light on human courage and selflessness in the face of wartime tragedy.
Speaking about his motivation, Fang Li says “Those young lives lost deserve to be remembered.” His words underscore the film’s mission to honor unsung heroes and spark conversations about shared history.
For young global citizens, storytellers and changemakers, this powerful documentary offers more than a history lesson. It’s a reminder that empathy and solidarity can bridge even the widest divides. As the film sparks discussions at festivals worldwide, its universal message of unity and hope continues to resonate.
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Reference(s):
cgtn.com
