At the 20th Changchun Film Festival in the Chinese mainland, visionary director Fang Li 🎥 shared how he turns complex, cross-national histories into captivating cinema.
Fang first captured hearts with "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru", a film that blends Japanese, British, and Chinese narratives into a single, powerful story. Now, he’s steering viewers toward his next epic: "Mukden". This project dives deep into the layered histories of Manchuria, weaving voices from different cultures into one cinematic tapestry.
According to Fang Li, authenticity starts with research. He immerses himself in archives, teams up with historians across Asia, and listens closely to local communities to honor every perspective. "I think of history as a mosaic—each piece adds meaning to the bigger picture," he explained.
Balancing diverse viewpoints means building trust. Fang Li invites cultural advisors from every nation featured in his films, ensuring the script respects traditions, languages, and nuances. This collaborative spirit turns potential clashes into creative sparks, strengthening the story’s emotional core 🌍✨.
With "Mukden" set to bridge past and present, Fang Li proves that cross-national storytelling isn’t just about facts—it’s about empathy, dialogue, and shared memory. Young viewers and history buffs alike are in for a treat as he continues to explore untold chapters of our collective past.
Reference(s):
Chinese director Fang Li on crafting cross-national histories
cgtn.com
