Lights, camera, history! 🎬 The documentary 'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru', directed by Fang Li, is making waves as China's contender for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. This gripping film uncovers a forgotten WWII tragedy, where over 1,800 Allied POWs perished in a Japanese ship sinking—an event long shrouded in secrecy.
From Douban Darling to Global Spotlight 🌍
Since its September 6 release, the doc has earned a stellar 9.3/10 rating on Douban (China's answer to IMDb) and raked in $5.9 million domestically—a rare feat for non-fiction cinema. Now, co-producer Li Yan tells CGTN that international screenings are in the works. 🚀 'We want global audiences to witness this hidden chapter of resilience,' she shared, hinting at strategic partnerships to amplify its reach.
Why This Matters for Gen Z
Beyond awards buzz, the film taps into Gen Z's hunger for untold stories. 💡 Its blend of archival footage and survivor interviews offers a raw look at wartime humanity—perfect for TikTok-era history buffs craving depth beyond textbooks. Could this be the 'Oppenheimer' of documentaries? 🔍 We’re watching!
