The 26th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) commenced on Friday with the premiere of “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” at the Shanghai Film Art Center. This poignant documentary sheds light on a lesser-known World War II tragedy involving British prisoners of war (POWs) and the heroic efforts of Chinese fishermen.
In October 1942, the cargo vessel “Lisbon Maru,” requisitioned by the Japanese army to transport over 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was torpedoed by the U.S. Navy off the Zhoushan Islands in China’s Zhejiang Province. More than 800 POWs perished at sea, but thanks to the bravery and humanity of local Chinese fishermen, over 300 lives were saved.
Directed and produced by Fang Li, the documentary is the culmination of seven years of dedication, during which the production crew interviewed over 100 family members of those involved in the incident. Fang Li aims to illuminate the profound impact of war on the families of the POWs, expose the atrocities committed by the Japanese aggressors, and celebrate the compassion and heroism of the Chinese fishermen.
“Let’s all join hands to let the world know this part of history,” Fang Li expressed after the screening, emphasizing the importance of remembering and sharing these stories.
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'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru' documentary screened at SIFF
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