Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the commencement of the Sino-Russian co-produced documentary "The Great Victory - The Chinese Anti-Japanese War through the Lens of Soviet Photographers," which aims to recover and showcase historical footage from the Chinese Anti-Japanese War era, particularly focusing on the lost film "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army" [3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army" was filmed in 1938 and is recognized as the first people's film under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, documenting the life and struggles in Yan'an during the Anti-Japanese War [3][4]. - The film's creators, including director Yuan Muzhi and cinematographer Wu Yinxian, were prominent figures in the Chinese film industry before the war, having produced notable works such as "The Sons and Daughters of the Wind and Cloud" and "Street Angel" [4][5]. - The establishment of the Yan'an Film Group in 1938 marked the first formal film and photography institution in the history of the Chinese Communist Party, aimed at showcasing the Party's commitment to the Anti-Japanese cause [5][6]. Group 2: Film Production and Challenges - The film was shot under challenging conditions in Yan'an, which was a center for anti-Japanese cultural activities, with over 10,000 youth arriving there in 1938 [4][5]. - The production faced significant difficulties, including the loss of film materials during World War II, as the original footage was lost amidst the chaos of the war [6][7]. - The documentary "Through the Flames" was initiated to honor the legacy of "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army," with the filming process uncovering historical documents and personal accounts related to the original film [7][8]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The documentary serves to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, emphasizing the importance of historical imagery in understanding the past [7][8]. - Interviews with descendants of the original filmmakers reveal the lasting impact of their work and the emotional connection to the historical narrative [8].

Core Viewpoint - The 15th Beijing International Film Festival opened on April 18, 2023, celebrating significant milestones in the history of cinema, including the 130th anniversary of the first public film screening by the Lumière brothers and the 120th anniversary of the first Chinese film, "Dingjun Mountain" [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The festival features a tribute section to honor the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, showcasing classic films to reflect on the growth of the "seventh art" in China [1]. - The first Chinese film, "Dingjun Mountain," was created in 1905, marking the end of an era without locally produced films in China, as noted by film historian Li Zhen [3]. Group 2: Festival Highlights - The festival includes a special exhibition titled "Two Generations of Cheers: Chinese Film Special Exhibition," featuring representative works from various stages of Chinese cinema, such as "The Goddess," "Street Angel," and "Shaolin Temple" [4]. - The "Tiantan Award" jury is chaired by renowned Chinese director Jiang Wen, with participation from international figures like British director David Yates and actress Chen Chong, selecting from 1,794 entries from 103 countries and regions [4].