AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The documentary film "The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru" has been screened in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The special screening of the documentary film in Auckland was hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland and the China Film Administration. Among the over 700 residents who attended the screening were Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Dean of the Auckland Consular Corps and Cook Islands Consul-General in Auckland Keutekarakia Mataroa.
Chinese Consul-General Chen Shijie said that this true story is a vivid reflection of the Chinese people's courage and humanitarian spirit, and a powerful example of how people around the world helped one another and stood together in the global struggle against Fascism.
Chen also recalled the indelible contributions made by those New Zealand friends to China's war of resistance, such as Rewi Alley and Kathleen Hall.
"We commemorate this chapter of history, not only to remember the past, but also to draw wisdom and strength for the future, so that we may better cherish and uphold the themes of peace and development in our time. With the joint efforts of our two peoples, I am confident that China-New Zealand relations will sail forward toward an even brighter future," said Chen.
After watching the film, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Xinhua that the film was a tough watch. But it's great to see that people are remembering the story.
Marine physicist Fang Li directed and produced the historical documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru. In 1942, the Japanese-armed cargo ship Lisbon Maru, carrying 1,816 British prisoners of war, was sunk by a U.S. torpedo off Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China. Chinese fishermen braved the sea against the Japanese and successfully rescued 384 men.
This film blends survivor testimonies and cinematic animations to depict the cruelty and absurdity of war, highlighting both human kindness and wartime atrocities. ■