After nightfall on Friday, an open-air film was screened amid the sea breeze and the murmur of the waves on Dongji Island of Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province.

Traversing time and space, the light and shadow of history were projected onto the screen, gathering a group of dedicated viewers, most of whom are fishermen on the island.

This was the local premiere of the documentary film The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, which tells the story of a lesser-known WWII tragedy involving Japanese fascists and British prisoners of war on the island, where it occurred.

In October 1942, Lisbon Maru, a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to transport more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was hit by the United States military off the Zhoushan Islands in Zhejiang province. Local fishermen risked their own lives and rescued over 380 POWs.

"Creating this film serves a dual purpose: it's not just about shedding light on this chapter of history to the world, but also about illuminating the heroic deeds of our forebears — the fishermen of Dongji — and inspiring pride in their acts of kindness and bravery," said Fang Li, the film's producer and director.

Fang noted that their story is one of valor and humanity that transcends time, and he hopes the story can resonate with audiences everywhere.

The documentary is entirely based on that real historical event. In the film, oral recollections of survivors, family members of the POWs, Chinese fishermen and relevant Japanese and American personnel piece together the history. The realistic post production effects starkly present the merciless face of war and the bravery of the fishermen, bringing the dark history to life for all to see.

Though many Dongji fishermen have heard of the incident, they have a vague memory. It was not until the documentary was released that they managed to portray a clear picture. When footage of Dongji fishermen appeared on camera recounting the scenes of them paddling their boats out to rescue the prisoners, many became profoundly emotional with tears in their eyes.

The film poignantly conveyed the harsh realities of war and the profound impact it has on humanity, serving as a reminder that we must never forget history and should always strive for peace, noted Liang Yindi, a descendant of one of the rescuers.

"Despite the fact that the Dongji fishermen who bravely participated in the rescue mission have now all passed away, their legacy of courage and compassion remains timeless. I am committed to honoring their spirit and ensuring that the story of the Lisbon Maru reaches a wider audience, keeping their memory alive for future generations," Liang stressed.

To bring this film to life, Fang, along with a dedicated film crew, embarked on a transoceanic journey that spanned the UK, Canada, the US and Japan.

They met with eyewitnesses and descendants, gathering and curating an extensive collection of invaluable historical documents and visuals.

Their efforts were aimed at recreating the dramatic rescue operation with as much authenticity and respect as possible, ensuring that the narrative is both compelling and true to the events that unfolded.

"We have tracked down over 380 descendants of the survivors, conducting more than 130 in-depth, face-to-face interviews," Fang said.

"Our team has also amassed an extensive archive of historical photographs. It is our ambition to weave these fragments of personal narratives and visual records into a comprehensive tapestry that authentically represents the full scope of history," he added.

Prior to this, the valiant acts of the Dongji fishermen had seldom reached a global audience.

"During my interviews with the descendants of the fishermen, a common refrain was that their forefathers felt they were merely fulfilling their duty when they spoke of the rescue," Fang said.

"Conversely, the descendants of the POWs invariably conveyed deep gratitude and reverence for the Dongji fishermen. These fishermen, with their heroism, bravery and humility, deserve to be honored," he added.

The documentary was pre-screened last year in London, Bournemouth, Edinburgh and several other places in the UK, and will be put on public release in China on Sept 6.

"I'm confident that once this film is aired across the country, it will bring to light the story of this small island and shed light on the events that transpired here 82 years ago," Fang said.

Having been bestowed the title of "Honored Islander" of Dongji, Fang spoke with heartfelt emotion.

"This honor is not just a recognition from the residents of Dongji, but also a profound validation of the film's significance," he said. "I hope the audience will be inspired to visit Dongji more often, to really soak up the local culture and the warmth of its people. I'm sure as they explore, they'll feel the weight of the history that this island holds."