Mohan Chen

"The Massacre"

Section MS18, Ayanna Blair-Ford

Keywords: memory, moving image, history

The narrative delves into the profound role of memory, exploring its intricate formation and preservation. It contemplates how memories, whether shaped by people, events, or objects, gain significance, becoming cherished aspects of our lives. Through the lens of the Nanjing Massacre, deeply ingrained in the Chinese consciousness, the film sheds light on attempts to erase this haunting memory.

Using mediums like murals and oil paintings, the film depicts the lifecycle of memories, from their initial vibrancy to eventual obscurity and resurgence. Murals, acting as custodians of cherished recollections, weather the passage of time, facing erosion and fading. Yet, through meticulous restoration, these murals reclaim their clarity, symbolizing the enduring resilience of memory.