The first ever festival dedicated to sparking global conversations via contemporary Chinese cinema in the Midlands is set to return to Leicester for the third year in a row between 25 November and 1 December. The theme for 2024 is “Action”, also a part of the BFI’s nation-wide “Art of Action” season.
A forgotten tragedy, an unforgettable legacy.
On this very special day, we announce our closing film for this year’s edition, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru (2023). This screening will be the first ever exclusive festival preview in the UK.
The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru is a poignant documentary directed by Fang Li that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of World War II, connecting it with the spirit of Remembrance Day. In October 1942, the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese transport ship secretly carrying over 1,800 British prisoners of war, was torpedoed off the coast of China by an American submarine unaware of its human cargo.
Through rare archival footage, survivor testimonies, and expert interviews, the documentary uncovers the harrowing journey of the prisoners as the ship began to sink, leaving them trapped below deck. The film also highlights local Chinese fishermen who risked their lives to rescue as many prisoners as they could.
Exploring themes of resilience, humanity, and the shared trauma of war, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru honours the memory of those who suffered and perished. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during conflict and the importance of remembrance, illustrating how acts of compassion can transcend the boundaries of nationality, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
This documentary is a tribute to the enduring human spirit and a call to remember the untold stories of those who gave everything in the name of freedom. For more background information about this film, please visit here.
Remembering the heroes. Full list of POWs.
Electric Shadows 2024 Closing Film: The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru
Date: Sunday, 1 December 2024 (Exclusive Festival Preview)
Time: 18:30 – 21:33
Venue: Phoenix Cinema, Leicester
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Tickets on sale now.
Notes by NGO UK-China Film Collab: this screening does not aim to offend anyone or any party with any intention. This is an honest reflection on history and how wars impacted on ordinary families around the world.
