On October 16, 2023, a special report titled “The Century of Party History in Red Films” was held at Beijing Experimental School (Haidian) as part of the Capital Care for the Next Generation Lecture Series, organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation for Youth Science and Culture Exchange and the Beijing Municipal Working Committee for the Care of the Next Generation. The event featured renowned national-level director and veteran film producer Jiang Ping, who delivered an inspiring talk to over 330 students and teachers.
During the presentation, Jiang Ping passionately shared classic stories from several red films, including “The Red Boat,” “My French Years,” and “The Song of Youth.” He recounted the narratives of early Communist Party members, including a young Mao Zedong and the experiences of Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping during their studies in France, as well as the bravery of Chen Shuxiang, the commander of the 34th Red Army, during the fierce Battle of Xiangjiang. His accounts of their struggles against adversaries deeply resonated with the young audience.
Additionally, Jiang highlighted the stories of notable figures in Chinese cinema, such as Yu Lan, a film performing artist, and Tianhua, a recipient of the national honor “People’s Artist.” He elaborated on how these artists used the lens to chronicle historical moments and portray heroic deeds, demonstrating the commitment of many in the arts to uphold revolutionary spirit and a strong connection to the people.
Jiang motivated the youth to draw inspiration from the century-long history of the Communist Party, encouraging them to embody the ideals forged by generations of Party members who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs. He urged them to become storytellers, communicators, and active participants in the new era of Chinese narratives, ensuring that the red gene and revolutionary fire are passed down through generations.
Looking ahead, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Beijing Municipal Working Committee for the Care of the Next Generation will continue implementing the Red Gene Inheritance Project. They aim to leverage the capital’s educational resources and provide a nationally recognized experimental and exemplary platform for extracurricular education. The initiative seeks to guide young people to deeply embed love for the Party, country, and socialism within their hearts, steadfastly following the Party’s guidance.
The event was attended by officials including Liang Wei, Director of the Beijing Municipal Working Committee for the Care of the Next Generation; Li Zhaoling, Executive Deputy Director; and representatives from various educational and governmental bodies, underscoring the community’s commitment to youth development.
