Lost war film finds new life

Bridging two nations

The Los Angeles screening was part of a China-US cultural exchange event themed "For the Friendship of the Chinese and American Peoples", coorganized by the Chongqing International Culture Association, Western China International Communication Organization, and Asian American Cultural and Artistic Foundation.

"Kukan is more than a documentary — it is a living epic of wartime resistance," said Guan Hong, chairman of the Chongqing International Culture Association. "It captured convoys braving artillery fire on the Burma Road, and Chongqing in ruins under Japanese bombs. Yet it also captured a people standing unyielding."

Guan emphasized the profound gratitude China holds for the American people's support during the war. "The donated supplies, the airlifts over the Himalayas, and the young lives lost, these are forever cherished in Chinese people's memories."

He donated the restored Kukan to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where it will be preserved as part of the permanent archive.

"Returning to the birthplace of the Oscars with this restored masterpiece is not only a cinematic revival, it is our highest tribute to the Chinese and American peoples' shoulder-to-shoulder fight against fascism," Guan added.

Matt Severson, executive vice-president of collections at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, praised Rey Scott's bravery. "With just a 16mm camera and immense courage, he documented China's struggle under fire. We're honored to preserve Kukan in the Academy Film Archive. This is history entrusted to us."

The Academy Film Archive now holds over 250,000 films, including works by legendary filmmakers and global treasures like Kukan.

As filmmaker Richard Anderson noted, Kukan reveals how China was the first front of the global war. "The Chinese army tied down hundreds of thousands of Japanese troops. This was crucial to the Allies' eventual success," he said.

Bob Underwood, a producer and writer, stressed the film's continued relevance. "It's more impactful than ever with its high-resolution imagery. Today, as China and the US face shared global challenges, this kind of cultural cooperation is vital."