On December 12, 2025, Minsk’s Pioneer Cinema hosted the Belarusian premiere of 'Dead To Rights,' a historical film from the Chinese mainland depicting the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. More than 200 attendees — including students, government officials, and workers — gathered to mark China’s National Memorial Day for the victims.
Drawing on historical accounts, the film graphically portrays the six-week massacre carried out by Japanese militarist forces, during which an estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed. The powerful on-screen depiction fostered a shared moment of profound grief and reflection among a diverse audience.
For many attendees, the screening offered a window into one of World War II’s darkest chapters in East Asia. As the credits rolled, the audience observed a solemn silence, underscoring a collective commitment to remember the past and build a more peaceful future. The event highlighted the role of cultural exchange in bridging communities and honoring universal values of compassion and resilience.
Reference(s):
Belarusians, Chinese unite in grief and hope at Nanjing Massacre film
cgtn.com
