Reported by CCTVmedium Rita
On December 21, the overseas broadcast launch of the historical documentary series Eternal Memory: Bethune and His Friends was held in Toronto, Canada. Government officials from China and Canada, scholars, descendants of the Bethune family, members of the production team, and media representatives attended the event to reflect on the humanitarian legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune and its significance for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The launch event was organized by China Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio (Group), supported by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, and co-organized by the Bethune Medical Development Association of Canada and the Global Chinese Media Group of Canada.
Dr. Norman Bethune is widely remembered in China as an international physician who dedicated himself to medical relief during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. His spirit of selflessness and humanitarianism has become a shared moral legacy between the Chinese and Canadian peoples.
Drawing on extensive historical documents and archival footage, the three-part documentary presents Bethune’s life and the broader international context of his work. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes. A six-minute preview was screened during the launch ceremony.
Professor Yan Li, academic advisor to the project and Associate Professor at Renison University College, University of Waterloo, noted that the English release of the documentary in Canada ahead of year-end holds strong public education value, particularly in the context of commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.
Director Liu Wu, who led the overseas filming, said the documentary aims to connect historical memory with contemporary dialogue and to foster deeper mutual understanding.
Dr. Lee Errett, President of the Bethune Medical Development Association of Canada and recipient of multiple friendship and ambassadorial awards, attended the event and spoke about the lasting influence of the Bethune spirit on Canada–China medical cooperation.
Deputy Consul General Bian Zhouzhou of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto noted that 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, describing the overseas release of the documentary as a positive step toward renewed people-to-people engagement.
