#USA #Lisbon Maru #Fang Li #WWII History #Santa Monica

The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru: A Tale of Humanity and Bravery

On November 18, 2024, the United States witnessed the North American Premiere of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru at the Asian World Film Festival, directed by the passionate Fang Li. This feature-length documentary captures not only a tragic event from World War II but also the human spirit and acts of outstanding bravery during a time of chaos.

Fang Li stumbled upon the haunting story of the Lisbon Maru while filming on Dongji Island. Intrigued by the silenced voices of history, he found that the ship's sinking had been overshadowed, with many of the young men who perished forgotten. His relentless curiosity turned into a mission to bring this story to light, driven by the thought that those shipmates could easily have been his own children. He felt a moral obligation to ensure that their bravery and sacrifice were not lost to time.

The Lisbon Maru, which sank on October 2, 1942, was a Japanese freighter carrying 1,816 British prisoners of war (POWs). The ship was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine that mistook it for a military vessel, as it displayed armed Japanese troops on deck. This action marked the beginning of a horrifying struggle for survival under unimaginable circumstances.

As the water consumed the freighter, Japanese soldiers took drastic measures to cover the holds where the POWs were trapped, denying them a chance to escape. Many attempted to flee, but tragically, numerous prisoners suffocated or faced gunfire from their captors. In this desperate moment, a Japanese Navy vessel arrived, only to save the soldiers while abandoning the remaining POWs to their fate in the depths of the ocean.

However, not all hope was lost. Brave fishermen from Zhoushan Island risked their lives amid the chaos, launching their boats to rescue stranded survivors. They courageously retrieved 384 men from the icy grip of the water, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of devastation.

As Fang Li delved deeper into the story of the Lisbon Maru, he recognized it as more than just a narrative of loss; it symbolizes courage and the strength found in humanity when faced with devastation. The documentary is thus not only a tribute to the young men who died that day but also to the anonymous heroes who risked everything for their fellow human beings.

Fang Li, a seasoned director and independent producer with a rich background in marine technology, now takes his first venture in directing this compelling film project. His previous experience in underwater exploration provides a unique perspective on the depths of the ocean and the stories it conceals. Having produced numerous films since 2000, Fang’s credentials equip him well to present this vital story on the cinematic stage.

The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru opens at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica for an Oscar® qualifying run from November 22 to 28, 2024. This screening is not just a platform for showcasing documentary filmmaking but aims to spark conversations around historical events that deserve remembrance.

In a time of renewed interest in narratives that spotlight human resilience, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of the past and the strength that can rise from despair. As Fang Li poignantly stated, bringing this story to life is integral to honoring those who lost their lives and ensuring that their courage is never forgotten.