Exclusive Interview with The Sinking of Lisbon Maru Director Fang Li: A Profound Exploration of History and Humanity
LAPost/Los Angeles, November 23, 2024 – On November 16, The Sinking of Lisbon Maru won the Best Documentary/Science and Education Film Award at the 37th China Golden Rooster Film Awards. Directed and produced by renowned filmmaker Fang Li, the film team recently completed an intensive series of screenings in Los Angeles. Screenings were held at prestigious institutions such as the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the American Film Institute (AFI), the International Documentary Association (IDA), and the Asian World Film Festival. Additionally, the film is currently being shown at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica for a week-long run. On November 24, Fang Li and his team will continue screenings in San Francisco, New York, and other cities.
Fang Li during an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Post. (Photo by Richard Ren / LAPost)
Fang Li Reflects on Audience Reactions in Los Angeles
In an exclusive interview with the English Los Angeles Post, Fang Li shared his impressions of the Los Angeles audience. “Whether Chinese-American or mainstream viewers, everyone resonated deeply with the film’s portrayal of forgotten historical figures and families,” he remarked. “Chinese-American audiences, in particular, expressed a sense of surprise and pride. This marks a shift in how the Chinese Film Producers Association approaches international promotion, emphasizing softer and more humanistic narratives.”
Balancing Historical Authenticity and Artistic Expression
Responding to a question about balancing historical accuracy with cinematic artistry, Fang Li drew on his background in science and engineering to explain:
“The film’s mathematical models and detailed reconstruction of the Lisbon Maru were meticulously crafted, including the ship’s structure, torpedo impact points, and compartment layouts. These were all rigorously researched and verified. On the artistic side, we chose to let sound dominate the storytelling while intentionally softening the visuals. This approach allows the audience to be more moved by the historical recordings and oral accounts. The balance we achieved makes the film both scientifically precise and emotionally compelling.”
Fang Li interacting with audiences during post-screening Q&A sessions in Los Angeles. (Photo provided by Fang Li’s team / LAPost)
Highlighting Humanity over Heroism
When asked whether the film leans toward showcasing heroism or focusing on the authentic emotions and reactions of ordinary people in extreme circumstances, Fang Li emphasized the latter:
“The film centers on the raw emotions and instincts of ordinary people in dire situations. For instance, the selfless acts of several officers reflect human instincts rather than a deliberate portrayal of heroism. We aim to let audiences experience and interpret these moments authentically, highlighting innate compassion, empathy, and courage.”
Resonance with Modern-Day Conflicts
Fang Li pointed out how the themes of the film resonate with ongoing global conflicts. He stated:
“War is always a tragedy, and its victims are ultimately ordinary people and families. I hope the film prompts viewers to reconsider the true cost of war. Whether it’s the war in Ukraine or the Israel-Palestine conflict, these events echo the devastation portrayed in The Sinking of Lisbon Maru. The decisions of politicians often overlook the suffering of ordinary people.”
Delivering a Core Message to International Audiences
Regarding the film’s core message for international audiences, Fang Li said:
“War has no winners; it brings endless pain to individuals and families. What’s more, many soldiers who saved lives or perished have been forgotten by history. Traditional war narratives focus on grand-scale events and outcomes. We wanted this film to draw attention to the personal experiences of victims and survivors, showcasing the real consequences of war beyond victories and defeats.”
A Multifaceted Historical Inquiry
Using a “real-time” storytelling approach, The Sinking of Lisbon Maru intertwines Fang Li’s triple roles as a historical investigator, marine scientist, and filmmaker. The film presents a cross-dimensional exploration of truth, from underwater archaeological expeditions to survivor testimonies, sonar analyses, and archival discoveries, weaving a complex and meticulous historical narrative.
Official U.S. poster for The Sinking of Lisbon Maru. (Photo provided by Fang Li’s team / LAPost)
Following its early screening at the British Film Institute on August 15, 2023, and its premiere at Zhoushan’s Dongji Island—where the Lisbon Maru tragedy occurred—on August 23, the film has garnered widespread acclaim for its profound historical insights and artistic execution. It currently holds an IMDb rating of 8.4/10.
As China’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards, The Sinking of Lisbon Maru also remains eligible for consideration in the Best Documentary Feature category at next year’s Oscars. (By: Richard Ren / LAPost)
