SPECIAL DOCUDRAMA PREVIEW followed by a Q&A with Flora Chong and Dr. Joseph Wong, film consultants.

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009. 7:00 p.m. 20th floor.

IRIS CHANG – THE RAPE OF NANKING. Canada. 103 minutes.

Directors: Bill Spahic, Anne Pick.
Starring: Olivia Cheng as Iris Chang.
Consultants: Dr. Joseph Wong and Flora Chong.

In English.

This docudrama was co-produced in 2007 by Toronto ALPHA (Association for the Learning and Preserving of the History of WWII in Asia) to mark the 70th anniversary of the atrocities carried out in Nanking in 1937.

In a unique pairing of drama and documentary, Olivia Cheng portrays the late author Iris Chang as she retraces the tragic events that the Chinese-American writer described so vividly in her book, “The Rape of Nanking.”

Brett Douglas, Iris’ widower, put at the disposal of the filmmakers some 200 boxes containing the invaluable records that his wife gathered during her investigation work. Included in this film are clips from original videotapes of Iris interviewing Nanking survivors, as well as historic footage shot by missionary John McGee in 1937, depicting the badly injured Chinese victims.

The film also includes news clippings, archival footage and newly uncovered facts that are unveiled here for the first time. When the production crew was on location in Nanjing, three years after Iris’ death in 2004, it had the opportunity to speak to the last surviving victim interviewed by Iris 12 years ago.

In Japan, interviews were conducted with academics, journalists, peace activists, ultrarightists and even a former soldier of the Japanese Imperial Army who admitted his participation in war crimes. Not surprisingly, the views and opinions differed widely depending on which cause the interviewees backed.

International Film Festival Awards and Accreditation
New York Film Festival 2008 – Bronze Medal on Documentary
Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival – Special Jury Prize
Atlanta Film Festival – rated 3.5/4 and accepted screening in the festival
Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) - 2008 DGC Best Documentary Awards nomination
Columbus Ohio Film Festival 2008 - Chris Statuette, Humanities Documentary
Chosen to be screened at Women’s International Film Festival 2009

The film concludes with a touching speech that Iris delivered to high school students with the intent to inspire them into pursuing their dreams while also trying to make the world a better place.

Please make your reservations at the FCCJ Reception Desk (3211-3161) to allow for seating arrangements.

All movie screenings are private, noncommercial events restricted to FCCJ members and their guests.
Edwin Karmiol, Karen Severns. Movie Committee.