On the evening of June 24, in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures witnessed a special moment: the documentary "Kukan: The Battle Cry of China," which was restored in HD by the Chinese team, made its debut and resonated strongly with American audiences.
The revival of this legendary documentary drew an impressive crowd of film scholars, historians, and local residents attracted by its reputation.
Mr. Mark Scott and Ms. Quincy Lee, the creators' family members, and Ms. Robin Lung, the director of "Finding Kukan," make speeches at the premiere. （photo/Mu Xuelin）
"Kukan": A WWII Epic Etched in Light and Shadow
The documentary "Kukan: The Battle Cry of China" was produced and sponsored by Chinese-American artist Li Ling-Ai and shot by American war photographer Rey Scott. From 1939 to 1940, Scott traveled across Hong Kong, China, as well as Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai, capturing a vivid, three-dimensional portrayal of China during the War of Resistance on color film. Most notably, the documentary completely records the scenes of the Japanese Army's fiercest bombing on Chongqing on August 19 and 20, 1940. It is the only existing color image of historical data of the event, hailed as an "epic" historical document.
Poster for the restored re-release of "Kukan" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
"Kukan" set several records in the field of Chinese wartime documentary:
- It is the first documentary on the Chinese War of Resistance shot with color cameras.
- It is the first documentary to showcase the Yunnan-Burma Road as a crucial transportation line during the War of Resistance.
- It is the first dynamic video completely documenting the Bombing of Chongqing.
- It is the first on-the-spot record of guerrillas behind enemy lines.
- It is even the first film to feature giant pandas
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When the Oscars introduced the documentary category in 1942, "Kukan" won the special award for its gripping reality. However, this masterpiece was presumed lost after the war until 2009 when the Chinese-American director Robin Lung discovered the film reels.
Images Preserve History, Friendship Transcends Time
Themed "Images Preserve History, Friendship Transcends Time," the screening was not only a tribute to history, but also a heartfelt look back on the wartime alliance between the Chinese and American people.
Chairman Guan Hong of Chongqing International Culture Association presents the restored materials of "Kukan" to the Academy Museum for permanent archival preservation at the screening（Photo/Mu Xuelin）
In his speech, Chairman Guan Hong of Chongqing International Culture Association described "Kukan" as "a dynamic epic of the War of Resistance." Through an unflinching lens, it revealed Chinese people's sacrifices and struggles in pursuit of freedom and dignity to the world. On the Yunnan-Burma Road, supply convoys braved artillery fire to support the front line; Chongqing, China's wartime capital, was reduced to rubble by Japanese air raids, yet its people persevered in self-rescue amid the ruins. "Kukan" transcends time, enabling us to feel the profound impact of history today.
"Kukan" is also an eternal witness of China-U.S. friendship and a perpetual memorial to justice. In 1941, then U.S. President Roosevelt watched this footage from the Eastern Battlefield. Three months later, the Lend-Lease Act was enacted, forging an unbreakable bond across the Pacific. Back then, many brave young Americans joined the Flying Tigers to support China's war effort, some perhaps inspired by "Kukan."
He called today a historic occasion. On June 24, 1944, 84 years ago, President Roosevelt appointed Vice President Wallace to visit China, entrusting him with a handwritten "Message to the People of Chongqing." The letter read:
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 that the American people gave to China over 80 years ago. China will always remember the donated medicines, the supplies that crossed the Himalayas, and the young lives sacrificed on the Chinese battlefield.
Li Zhiqiang, Deputy Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, said in his speech that "Kukan," as the first color documentary on China's rear areas during the War of Resistance, embodies profound historical significance and humanistic values. The high-quality restoration of this documentary exemplifies cultural heritage preservation and demonstrates how China-U.S. cultural cooperation fosters mutual understanding and mutual learning among civilizations.
HD Restoration Technology Revives "Kukan"
China treasures this historically significant footage documenting shared memories. In recent years, enthusiastic efforts have been made to collect and restore materials related to "Kukan" by the Chongqing International Culture Association and Western China International Communication Organization, in collaboration with the Research Center of Revolutionary Spirit and Cultural Resources of the Communist Party of China, Southwestern University, China Film Archive, and other institutions. The team spliced and restored three original "Kukan" clips collected from various sources. Following the principle of "restoring the old as the old," they employed a combination of manual and AI restoration techniques, including AI noise reduction, intelligent frame interpolation, and sound quality enhancement, to restore this precious historical record to its original state to the greatest extent possible.
At the screening, Chairman Guan Hong of Chongqing International Culture Association donated the restored materials of "Kukan" to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for permanent preservation as valuable historical records.
Matt Severson, Executive Vice President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, addresses the event. (Photo/ Xuelin Mu)
Matt Severson, Executive Vice President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressed his gratitude in his speech. He said that the preservation of this remarkable piece of history is made possible by the generosity of the donors. They believe that such films are worthy of protection, researc,h and viewing. "For this reason, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Chongqing International Culture Association and the Western China International Communication Organization for their generous donation. These materials will be permanently preserved at the Academy Film Archive. We deeply appreciate your trust in entrusting this history to us."
"Kukan" evokes common memories and strong audience response
The audience gave a warm round of applause to this legendary film after the screening ended. They were visibly moved.
The restored version of "Kukan" premiered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on June 24 in Los Angeles. (Photo/Mu Xuelin)
Mark Scott, son of Rey Scott, the documentary's photographer, could not hide his excitement during the screening. "This brings back memories of my father showing me 'Kukan' when I was a kid," he said, with tears in his eyes. "He risked his life documenting the Bombing of Chongqing and ordinary Chinese people's resilience during the War of Resistance. I'm so proud of him." "Amazing!" Mark exclaimed about the restoration. "It is absolutely breathtaking to watch 'Kukan' on the big screen! I have never seen such a magnificent presentation! Previous restoration attempts had all been abandoned. The Chinese team achieved what others couldn't. Now this masterpiece will endure forever, we owe them tremendous gratitude!"
Elizabeth, an audience member, said, "We are deeply grateful because this restoration is astonishing. It's truly unbelievable."
Audience Andrew said, "Re-screening this 80-year-old documentary in the digital age carries profound contemporary relevance. The HD restoration technology vividly recreates the Bombing of Chongqing, offering a far more intuitive and powerful visual shock than textual archives. When the screen shows the Chongqing residents rebuilding their homes in the ruins, viewers witness not just the spirit of the War of Resistance but timeless human resilience."
Professor Liu Rongwen of East Los Angeles College remarked after the screening, "On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, this restored film is a gift dedicated to that victory. Achieving such exceptional restoration is remarkable. The creative team spent considerable time and effort, with passion, dedication, abilit,y and wisdom, enabling audiences to have the opportunity to enjoy such a breathtaking film."
American film director Richard Anderson, who once toured Chongqing, expressed deep shock upon seeing the city that endured devastating bombings over 80 years ago. He said that witnessing Chongqing's devastation in the film was truly staggering, particularly knowing the city endured such relentless bombings every day. Yet, its modern transformation and progress today are nothing short of remarkable.