Two cinematic interpretations of World War II events have sparked a rare dialogue between directors Guan Hu (Dongji Rescue) and Fang Li (The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru), whose works explore historical memory through contrasting lenses. In an unprecedented meeting facilitated by KhabarAsia, the creators dissected the tension between artistic license and historical fidelity.
Guan Hu's dramatic retelling of a 1942 merchant ship rescue operation prioritizes emotional resonance, arguing "cinema must make history breathe again." Meanwhile, Fang Li's documentary about a 1942 Japanese POW transport sinking employs survivor testimonies and archival footage, asserting "unfiltered voices carry their own poetry."
The directors found common ground in their focus on civilian perspectives often excluded from wartime narratives. "We're both archaeologists of forgotten stories," Fang Li remarked, while Guan Hu emphasized their shared mission: "Whether through reenactment or documentation, we're combatting historical amnesia."
Their conversation addressed recent controversies, including debates about fictionalized dialogue in historical dramas and the ethics of re-traumatization in documentary filmmaking. Both agreed Asian cinema plays a crucial role in challenging Eurocentric WWII narratives.
