History's forgotten stories | Director Fang Li's latest documentary

Key Concepts

• General Jonathan Wainwright: An American military leader who commanded forces in the Philippines during WWII and endured years of brutal imprisonment.
• The Forgotten General: A documentary project focusing on Wainwright’s resilience and his subsequent fading from public memory.
• The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru: An award-winning documentary by filmmaker Fong Lee regarding a tragic WWII maritime event.
• Oral History Methodology: An approach to filmmaking that prioritizes listening and "free chatting" over structured, purpose-driven interviews to capture authentic human experiences.
• Historical Trauma: The lasting emotional and societal impact of WWII on China and the United States.

---

1. The Collaboration: Documenting General Wainwright

Filmmaker Fong Lee and Emmy Award-winning director Bill Einhorn are collaborating on a documentary titled The Forgotten General. The project aims to restore the legacy of General Jonathan Wainwright, who took command of U.S. forces after the fall of Bataan and Corregidor. Despite being a national hero upon his return to the U.S. in 1945—receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman—Wainwright’s story has largely vanished from public consciousness. Einhorn attributes this to Wainwright’s humble, non-promotional personality, contrasting him with other generals who actively cultivated their public images.

2. Historical Context: China and the U.S. in WWII

The documentary highlights the interconnectedness of the Chinese and American war efforts:

• China’s Long War: For China, WWII began in 1931, a decade before the attack on Pearl Harbor. This period of prolonged occupation and aerial bombardment (notably in the wartime capital of Chungking) left deep, tangible emotional scars.
• Logistical Challenges: China faced a total blockade by Japan, necessitating the construction of the Burma Road to receive vital U.S. supplies.
• The Flying Tigers: The American volunteer group remains a symbol of the critical U.S. support that sustained Chinese resistance against Japanese forces.

3. Filmmaking Methodology: The Art of Listening

Fong Lee emphasizes a specific approach to documentary filmmaking that prioritizes human connection over rigid journalistic inquiry:

• "Free Chat" Technique: Lee instructs students to avoid leading questions that might "disturb the way of thinking." Instead, he advocates for open-ended listening to allow subjects to tell their stories naturally.
• Human-Centric Narrative: Bill Einhorn notes that Lee’s films are not merely "war stories" but stories of people caught in war. By focusing on the human experience rather than just military strategy, the films become more accessible to modern audiences who may not have a background in history.

4. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• The Erosion of Memory: Both filmmakers express concern that the younger generation is losing touch with the realities of WWII. They argue that modern technology has paradoxically hindered deep, meaningful communication, making the "lost art" of conversation essential for preserving history.
• The Value of Peace: Lee emphasizes that his films serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace. By documenting the experiences of those who lived through the war—including his own father, who survived the bombings of Chungking—he hopes to instill a greater appreciation for peace in the current generation.
• Geopolitical Relevance: Lee notes that current tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait have made the public more receptive to historical warnings about the consequences of war.

5. Notable Quotes

• Bill Einhorn on Wainwright: "In General Wainwright's story, I discovered the story of someone who had virtually everything taken away from him... Yet somehow he remained himself. He remained true to his values."
• Fong Lee on Interviewing: "When you have a purpose from your questions, you actually make disturb the way of thinking. You just chat, free chat. You listen to them because you know, it's an old story."
• Fong Lee on the Purpose of Film: "I hope [this film] can tell them a little more, get them more feeling about how valuable the peace time for the family."

---

Synthesis and Conclusion

The collaboration between Fong Lee and Bill Einhorn represents a bridge between two nations' historical memories of WWII. By focusing on the personal resilience of figures like General Wainwright and the civilian experience in China, the filmmakers aim to combat historical amnesia. Their methodology—rooted in deep, empathetic listening—seeks to transform abstract historical facts into relatable human narratives, ultimately serving as a cautionary and appreciative reflection on the value of peace in an increasingly volatile world.