Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War: Launch Ceremony of “Epic and Soul Stirring” Patriotic Film Sharing Series Successfully Held at University of Macau

Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War: Launch Ceremony of “Epic and Soul Stirring” Patriotic Film Sharing Series Successfully Held at University of Macau

On the afternoon of October 30, 2025, the ” Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War: ‘Epic and Soul Stirring’ Series Activities—Launch Ceremony of Patriotic Film Appreciation and Classic Film Review Sharing Sessions and Inaugural Film Screening” was grandly held at Cultural Building E34, University of Macau (UM). Organized by the UM’s Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC), the event aimed to promote patriotic education for Macao through a combination of film appreciation and academic seminars, deepening young people’s understanding of national history and the spirit of the Chinese nation.

At the opening of the event, Prof. Xu Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) at the UM, delivered a welcome address. The UM has consistently regarded the inheritance of excellent traditional Chinese culture and the cultivation of patriotic sentiments as an important mission. He noted that the ” Epic and Soul Stirring ” project innovatively adopts a model combining film and academic seminars, transforming grand historical narratives into vivid classrooms, representing an important practice for UM in advancing patriotic education for Macao. The project features carefully selected films such as “The Eight Hundred” and “The Red Detachment of Women,” guiding young students to appreciate the national spirit and strengthen national identity.

Subsequently, the guests of honor cut the ribbon for the launch ceremony, marking the official opening of the “Epic and Soul Stirring” series of events. Prof. Zhang Yan, Director of the CCHC, emphasized in his speech that this project is a key focus of the Centre’s five-year plan, with red historical education as its main thread, using the art of film to lead young people in appreciating the spiritual power of the nation’s struggles. He stated that the Centre will continue to integrate resources to develop “Epic and Soul Stirring” into a distinctive Macao patriotic education platform, contributing to the practice of “One Country, Two Systems.”

Afterwards, the CCHC presented a painting to Prof. Peng Yina, Honorary Dean of the Guangdong Southern Red Culture Research Institute (granddaughter of revolutionary martyr Mr. Peng Pai), and appointed her as “Supervisor of Ambassador for the Promotion of Chinese Culture” in recognition of her long-term dedication to promoting patriotic spirit and passing on the legacy of revolutionary heritage.

Finally, Prof. Li Jun, Head of Department of Arts and Design, delivered a keynote lecture exploring the development of war of resistance film narratives through the lens of “Grand History on Screen.” He pointed out that current narratives of the war of resistance present a more magnificent framework, emphasizing the national spirit embodied in the 15-year struggle against aggression. Meanwhile, using films such as “Dead To Rights” as examples, he illustrated that localized artistic perspectives can equally convey profound historical emotions, and emphasized the crucial role of “emotional authenticity” in historical representation.

The event also received support and participation from numerous distinguished guests, including Mr. Gu Zhijie, former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Shenzhen Legal Daily; Associate Prof. Wang Lan from the Faculty of Humanities and Arts at Macau University of Science and Technology; Ms. Chan Pui Lan, President of Tea Art Professionals Association of Macao; Mr. Lin Jiangshan, Chairman of Guangzhou Biyutang Art Co., Ltd.；Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung, Master of Moon Chun Memorial College, UM;Prof. Leung May Yee, Janny, Master of Choi Kai Yau College; Prof. Tam Sik Chung, Interim Master of Shiu Pong College; Associate Master Prof. Fung, Ka Wai Gary of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College; Resident Fellow Ms. Alice Hong of Moon Chun Memorial College; Dr. Cheang Neng Ian, Deputy Director of the CCHC and Ms. Kuan Sio In, Leona, Principal Admin Officer of the CCHC. The ” Epic and Soul Stirring ” project will continue to conduct a series of film sharing and academic seminar activities, dedicated to becoming an important platform for patriotic education and national identity among Macao’s youth.