"KUKAN: The Secret of Unconquerable China" Premieres in HD Restoration at the Oscars
On the evening of June 24 local time, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures celebrated a special moment: the HD restoration of the documentary "KUKAN: The Secret of Unconquerable China," completed by a Chinese team, made its debut, resonating strongly with American audiences.
The screening room at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures attracted not only film scholars and historians but also many local citizens eager to witness the revival of this legendary film.
The screening ceremony featured family members of the creators of KUKAN, Mr. Mark Scott, Ms. Quincy Lee, and director Ms. Robin Lung.
"KUKAN": A Cinematic Chronicle of World War II
The documentary "KUKAN: The Secret of Unconquerable China" was conceived and funded by Chinese-American artist Li Ling-Ai, with footage shot by American war correspondent Rey Scott. Between 1939 and 1940, Scott traveled through Hong Kong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai, capturing a vivid, authentic portrait of China's resistance against Japanese aggression in color film. Notably, the film provides a complete account of the shocking scenes from the Chongqing Bombings of 1940, becoming the only existing color footage acclaimed as "epic" historical documentation.
"KUKAN" created several "firsts" in Chinese wartime imagery:
- The first documentary film to use color cameras to capture China's War of Resistance
- The first to depict the "life-and-death transport line" of the Burma Road
- The first complete moving footage documenting the Chongqing Bombings
- The first battlefield record of filming guerrilla forces behind enemy lines
- It was even the first film to bring pandas to the silver screen
When the Oscars first introduced a feature-length documentary category in 1942, "KUKAN" received a special award for its impactful realism. However, this masterpiece was lost for years after the war until it was rediscovered by Chinese-American director Robin Lung in 2009.
Frames Witness History, Friendship Transcends Time
The screening, themed "Frames Witness History, Friendship Transcends Time," paid tribute not only to historical events but also to the deep bond forged between the people of China and the United States during the war.
Image of the ceremony where Guan Hong, Chairman of Chongqing International Culture Association, donated the KUKAN restoration materials to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
In his speech, Guan Hong emphasized that "KUKAN" was not just a documentary but a "dynamic epic of resistance." It authentically portrays the sacrifices and struggles of the Chinese people for freedom and dignity. On the Burma Road, supply convoys risked their lives under enemy fire; the wartime capital, Chongqing, was reduced to ruins by bombings, yet the people persevered. "KUKAN" breaks the barriers of time, allowing us to feel the historical impact even today.
"KUKAN" serves as an eternal testament to friendship and a lasting memory of justice. In 1941, then-President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt viewed footage from the Eastern theater, and three months later, the Lend-Lease Program was signed, closely linking the fates of both sides of the Pacific. Many young Americans joined the Flying Tigers to aid China, inspired perhaps by "KUKAN."
He remarked that today is a significant day. On June 24, 1944, 84 years ago, President Roosevelt commissioned Vice President Wallace to visit China, delivering a message to the people of Chongqing, expressing respect for their bravery in the face of relentless airstrikes. The letter stated:
“In the name of the people of the United States of America, I present this scroll to the City of Chungking as a symbol of our admiration for its brave men, women, and children. Under blasts of terror from the air, even in the days before the world at large had known this horror, Chungking and its people held out firm and unconquered. They proved gloriously that terrorism cannot destroy the spirit of a people determined to be free. Their fidelity to the cause of freedom will inspire the hearts of all future generations.”
Today, we are particularly grateful for the support of the American people over 80 years ago. The medicines donated, supplies flown over the Himalayas, and the young lives sacrificed on the battlefield in China—these contributions have never been forgotten by the Chinese people.
Li Zhiqiang, Deputy Consul General (Ambassadorial Rank) of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles, stated that as the first color documentary capturing China's wartime rear, "KUKAN" carries profound historical memories and humanistic concern. The film's high-quality restoration not only protects cultural heritage but also exemplifies the mutual understanding and civilizational exchange fostered through cultural collaboration between China and the U.S.
HD Restoration Technology Brings "KUKAN" Back
China cherishes this precious historical footage etched with shared memories, dedicating significant efforts to collecting and restoring "KUKAN" over the years. The Chongqing International Culture Association and the Western China International Communication Organization collaborated with the Rear Area in China Anti-Japanese War Research and Collaborative Innovation Center and the China Film Archive on this project. The team sourced three segments of "KUKAN" from various channels, restoring them through careful stitching and reconstruction using a combination of manual and AI restoration techniques, maximizing the film's original appearance.
During the ceremony, Guan Hong donated the restoration materials of "KUKAN" to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which will permanently preserve them as valuable historical records.
Matt Severson, Executive Vice President of the Academy Collection and Preservation, Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts and Sciences, gave a speech.
Matt Severson, Executive Vice President of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts and Sciences, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Academy, stating that the preservation of this incredible history relies on the generosity of donors who believe such films are worth protecting, studying, and viewing. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Chongqing Cultural Exchange Association and the Western International Communication Center for their generous donation, which will be permanently archived at the Academy's film archives.
"KUKAN" Evokes Shared Memories, Resonating with Audiences
After the film screening, the audience erupted in applause, paying tribute to this legendary film. Many expressed their astonishment.
The screening was on June 24 in Los Angeles.
Mark Scott, son of the film's cinematographer, was visibly moved and teared up several times. He recalled watching "KUKAN" with his father, who risked his life capturing the Chongqing Bombings and the unyielding spirit of ordinary Chinese people during the war. He felt proud of his father and exclaimed, "The restoration is incredible!" He added, "To see 'KUKAN' on the big screen today, I've never seen such a magnificent presentation! Previous teams attempted to restore 'KUKAN' but ultimately gave up. The Chinese team has achieved an unprecedented breakthrough, and this work will endure for eternity. I'm very grateful for their efforts!"
Elizabeth remarked, "This is a phenomenal restoration. And we thank you so much for it; it's just incredible."
Rongwen Liu, Professor in the Communication department at East Los Angeles College, commented: "On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, this restored film is a gift honoring that victory. Achieving such a high-quality restoration is commendable. The creative team dedicated significant time and energy, and their passion, sentiment, and talent have given us the opportunity to appreciate such a heart-stirring piece."
American film director Richard Anderson, who previously visited Chongqing, was shocked to see the city that experienced the bombings over 80 years ago. He said, "It's amazing to watch the bombing, to see the city just being destroyed so much, and to think that they did it every day. But you look at the modern city of Chongqing that's been rebuilt and it's an amazing city.”