The documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was screened Friday on the Dongji Island in east China's Zhejiang Province, where the 1942 rescue of 384 British prisoners of war (POWs) by courageous Chinese fishermen amid heavy Japanese gunfire was vividly brought to life with digital precision.
The film recounts the tragic 1942 incident when the Lisbon Maru, carrying over 1,800 British POWs, was mistakenly torpedoed by a U.S. submarine off the coast of Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province. Amid the chaos, Chinese fishermen risked their lives to save 384 of the stranded soldiers.
Featuring interviews with over 130 descendants of the POWs and others involved, the documentary provides a detailed account of the sinking and reveals lesser-known, gripping aspects of the story.
"Our goal with this film was to preserve history. Throughout the interviews and research, we uncovered many deeply touching stories. Presenting these stories on the big screen allows the audience to connect with them on a profound emotional level," said Fang Li, the film's director.
"I had visited museums and read something about the Lisbon Maru, but not so profoundly, thinking that it was merely as a historical event. Watching this film really triggered my empathy," remarked Song Zhuoxi, an audience member.
Documentary revives Lisbon Maru rescue with digital precision
