“Kukan” Screening Hosted at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

On June 24, 2025, a re-release of Oscar-Willing Footage Film “Kukan” was screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

The original film was created by Chinese American Artist Li Ling-Ai and American Filmmaker Rey Scott. Between 1939 and 1940 during World War II, the two traveled across Hong Kong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai, using color film to record a vivid, multi-dimensional and authentic portrayal of China during the war.

Most notably, the film documented the August 19, 1940 bombings of Chongqing, and is the only surviving color motion-picture footage of this historical event. As the first documentary of its kind, the film received a special acknowledgement at the 1942 Academy Awards when the documentary category was introduced due to this film’s impact.

However, over the years, the film was lost to time until 2009 when Chinese American Filmmaker Robin Lung re-discovered the film. Since then, the film began its restoration journey.

In his remarks, President of the Chongqing Association for Cultural Exchange with Foreign Countries Guan Hong, acknowledged that “Kukan” is a testament to the Chinese people’s determination to fight for freedom and a documentation of their struggle during the war.
Aligned with this historical significance of this event, members of the “Flying Tigers” were recognized at the screening in their collective efforts during the war.
Li Zhiqiang, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, stated in his remarks that as the first color documentary to record China’s wartime rear areas during the War of Resistance, Kukan carries profound historical memory and deep humanistic concern.
James Su, Founder & President of Asian American Cultural & Artistic Foundation and Chairman of Chinese American Film Festival & Chinese American TV Festival, remarked that this film “Kukan,” a once-forgotten Oscar legend, emerged from one of the darkest periods in world history. This WWII documentary bears witness to lives lost and stands as an immortal cinematic work.

The restored version of “Kukan” returning for a screening at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is significant as it brings this precious documentary back into the limelight.

Matt Severson, Executive Vice President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressed his gratitude in his remarks. He said that whether this extraordinary piece of history can be preserved depends on the generosity of donors who believe such films deserve to be protected, studied, and seen.
Host of Chinese American Film Festival Michael Zhang

Members of the “Kukan” restoration team, descendants of the original creators, representatives from the Hollywood film industry, scholars and experts, as well as leaders from the local Chinese American community, attended the event and exchanged their thoughts on the documentary.