Recently, the screening of documentary film "Life Goes On," produced in Guangdong Province, was held at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. The film focuses on the struggles against invaders in South China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, depicting the stories of academic institutions such as Lingnan University and Sun Yat-sen University relocating to Northern Guangdong amidst adversity to continue education during the war. The eve attracted experts, scholars, and students from the Chinese mainland and HKSAR, sparking dialogues centered around deriving lessons from history, as well as perpetuating and fostering the patriotic ethos.
According to the introduction, "Life Goes On" is based on the latest research findings and precious historical materials. It adopts a narrative documentary format to present emotionally compelling stories. The film was shot in places such as Shaoguan, Yunfu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Province, capturing the historical sites of South China's schools impacted by the resistance against Japanese invaders and their current conditions. Interviews were conducted with eyewitnesses or their families to retell the stories of the time. As cities like Guangzhou and Hong Kong fell to the Japanese occupation, dozens of universities and middle schools, represented by Lingnan University and Sun Yat-sen University, relocated to Northern Guangdong to continue their educational activities, including teaching, learning, and the dissemination of knowledge and culture. The documentary highlights the resilience of these schools in the face of war, nurturing outstanding scholars in various fields such as literature, art, physics, botany, astronomy, and geography. Their contributions laid the foundation for academic research in the future Greater Bay Area and left a profound mark on the history of Chinese education.
Lingnan University was an important witness, participant, and practitioner during this period, having relocated its campus three times. In 1938, as Japanese forces advanced and Guangzhou fell, Lingnan University's main campus was relocated to Hong Kong. In December 1941, when Hong Kong also fell, then-President Li Yinglin led faculty and students to relocate again, this time to Qujiang in Shaoguan. As the conflict escalated, Lingnan University moved once more, this time to Mei County in Dongjiang. Despite the challenges, Lingnan University upheld the "Lingnan Spirit" and persisted in reopening, laying a solid foundation for cultivating numerous outstanding talents. Notable alumni such as Huang Benli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, renowned social activist Chen Xiangmei, and the founder of Maxim's Caterers Limited, Wu Zhande, all graduated from Lingnan University. After the victory in the war against Japan, Lingnan University returned to its campus in Kangle, Guangzhou. In 1952, in alignment with university reforms, Lingnan University's departments merged with Sun Yat-sen University and other institutions. It wasn't until the 1960s, through the efforts of its alumni, that Lingnan University was reinstated in Hong Kong.
Raistlin Lau, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, expressed confidence that "Life Goes On" will raise awareness of the history of education in South China, inspiring people to cherish time and strive for excellence.
In his speech, Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations) and Coordinator of the Hong Kong and South China Historical Research Programme of Lingnan University, highlighted the significance of hosting the premiere at Lingnan University. This allows students to delve into the school's history, particularly its contributions during the resistance against Japan, and fosters a sense of pride among Lingnan students.
During the discussion session, experts and scholars noted that numerous schools, which previously endured wartime hardships, have since transformed into renowned academic institutions, persistently cultivating talent across a wide array of disciplines.
Reporter | Chen Chen
Editor | Will, James
Lynette (intern) also contributed to the story.
