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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Minsk, December 13 (Xinhua) — On Friday, the eve of the 12th National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre, the Pioner Cinema in Minsk held the Belarusian premiere of the Chinese film "The Photographer of Nanjing." The film, based on the tragic and horrific historical events of the Nanjing Massacre, evoked a strong emotional response from local audiences.
Over 200 people attended the premiere at the Pioner Film Center, including students, employees of ministries and agencies, and blue-collar workers. Throughout the screening, they were united by a wide range of emotions, clearly visible on their faces: fear, horror, and empathy. Some even burst into tears. The film left no one indifferent, and everyone stayed until the credits rolled. A standing ovation erupted at the end.
Belarusian director Vera Tkachenko struggled for a while after watching "The Photographer of Nanjing." The film's harrowing scenes haunted her. "I can't remain indifferent to such pain and tragedy. The film's subject matter is very difficult, but viewers need to experience it and see this pain firsthand through the art of cinema, and remember this cruel story," she told Xinhua.
V. Tkachenko said she had previously been unaware of many episodes in the history of the Nanjing Massacre, and thanks to this film, she was able to learn more about the monstrous crimes committed by Japanese militarists against China. She believes that as many people as possible around the world should become familiar with the historical facts about the heroic resistance of the Chinese people and their contribution to the World War II against fascism. "Only by remembering the true history, preserving precious peace and life, can we avoid a repetition of this tragedy," she emphasized.
Following the premiere, the organizers showed a video comparing the wounded and devastated Nanjing of 1937 with the prosperous and beautiful Nanjing of 2025. Nanjing's revival is seen as a precise miniature of the Chinese nation's journey—from pain and loss to prosperity.
According to V. Tkachenko, protecting the historical truth about the Great Victory and passing it on to future generations is crucial. "Because over time, a new generation of young people may know nothing about history. A prosperous life can even make people forget the price of happiness, joy, sunshine, a peaceful, beautiful life, and prosperous cities. But we only have all of this thanks to the selfless and bloody struggle of our ancestors," the Belarusian director said.
Vadim Borovik, a member of the Minsk City Council, visited China and the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre. The history depicted there and the exhibits on display shocked him. When he saw the film depicting the atrocities committed by Japanese fascists against the civilians of Nanjing, women, and children, his "heart bled," as this tragedy is close to every Belarusian's heart.
"Belarus also paid a heavy price in World War II. Belarus and China share a common historical memory, and the blood of victors and liberators flows in our veins. Therefore, the Belarusian people are not indifferent to this film," noted V. Borovik.
Statistics from World War II mercilessly reveal the fact that every third Belarusian perished during that time. "My great-grandfather fought in the Battle of Stalingrad but never returned. My grandmother waited for him her whole life," V. Tkachenko said emotionally. "We share the pain of the Chinese people during that war."
Igor Gancherenok, Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Society for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and Dean of the Faculty of Advanced Training for Pedagogical Staff at the Minsk City Institute for Education Development, noted that he was stunned after watching the film. He was outraged by the film's depiction of Japanese war criminals' behavior during their trial, attempting to distort the facts of their atrocities and crimes. He also expressed criticism, noting that some Japanese and Western politicians still ignore and distort historical truth, but that truth will ultimately prevail.
According to him, in order for China and Belarus to better jointly defend historical truth, it is necessary to strengthen exchanges between the two countries in the fields of ideology and art. "We must convey this truth to our youth, as the film 'The Photographer of Nanjing' does. This film is art that resonates in the hearts of Belarusians and Chinese," noted I. Gancherenok.
Remembering history is not necessary to perpetuate hatred, but to awaken in people the desire to uphold peace. At the ceremony before the film's screening, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan emphasized: "China stands ready, together with the international community, including Belarus, to remain the guardian of historical truth, the defender of world peace, and the champion of justice for all humanity. May we and our descendants forever bask in the rays of a peaceful sun under a peaceful sky!"
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