Sundance Docs: Nanking and Autism

[Posted by Nicole Sperling] It was an emotional Sunday morning at the Sundance Festival's Holiday Cinemas in Park City. In its world premiere, the documentary “Autism Every Day,” from director Lauren Thierry, screened for a packed audience that included NBC Universal’s chairman and CEO Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne, who are executive producers on the film and co-founders of the Autism Speaks foundation. The two are also grandparents to an autistic boy. The film depicts a day in the life of eight families who are struggling with autistic children, illustrating both the financial and emotional toll this disease takes on families as well as the dedication and love these parents have for their children. At 44 minutes long the film will primarily be used for advocacy and outreach. You can watch a 12 minute clip of the movie at AutismSpeaks.org. .

[Posted by Anne Thompson] Here's the full-length story in THR. And here's my piece on the Sundance competition documentary "Nanking" (pictured above), produced by AOL visionary-turned-filmanthropist Ted Leonsis. As I was writing it yesterday, I started crying, and as I talked about it today on sunny Main Street with Sundance's Documentary Film Program director Cara Mertes, I lost it again. (I'm also a little whacked from lack of sleep.)

Comments

[mike stanton]

The Autism Everyday film has caused a lot of controversy in the autism community. It presents a worst case scenario as if it is typical of most families' experience of autism.
It is also dishonest. These parents are not broke. They are well heeled, middle class professionals who chose to finance expensive biomedical 'cures' and intensive behavioural interventions in pursuit of their dream of replacing their autistic child with a normal one.
On the days the film makers turned up they were told to keep the therapists and support workers away. So autistic kids had their routine kicked from under them and were subjected to the stress of strangers with cameras coming into their homes. Does Hollywood routinely traumatize child actors to get authentic performances in works of fiction? So what makes it OK in this 'documentary?'
I have a personal and a professional involvement in autism and Autism Speaks don't speak for me.

[TAMAGAWABOAT]

I would like to tell something about film "Nanking".
Which do you think about film "Nanking", Documentary or Propaganda? I believe the essence of documentary film is the journalistic mind. The journalistic mind appears the attitude to search for the truth. To pursue the truth to the greatest extent possible is the achievement of the documentary film. The finest documentary films have been evaluated from viewpoint of achievement level how they approached the truth. Do you agree with my opinion?

If film "Nanking" is not propaganda but documentary, they needed to insert descriptions into each photos and films.
1) When was the photo taken?
2) Who took the photo?
3) Where was the photo taken?
Please pay attention to the description of photos and films in this film "Nanking". Because all 143 photos that China offered as evidence of Nanking Massacre turned out fake and fabricated by the study of Japanese historian groups. There is not photo to prove Nanking Massacre at all in the fact. Unless films and photos in "Nanking" have the above descriptions, it must be China's propaganda film.

If film "Nanking" is not propaganda but documentary, they needed to prove whether their testimoies are true or not.
It is the fact that nobody witnessed murders. I can prove it easily. If you doubt me, please check on the records of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trial: 1946-1948). This Military Tribunal summoned 4 Westerners were members of Nanking Safety Zone. At this Tribunal, These 4 Westerners testified, "We did not witness any murder at all. We reported just things that we heard from someone." In short,” Nanking Incident" was made of "HEARSAY". These testimonies remains’ even now both in United States National Archives and Records Administration and Japan National Diet Library. As you know, the modern courts don't adopt "HEARSAY" as evidence.

And, at the end, I suppose...the scene that some Japanese soldiers testified as if Nanking Massacre took place actually will appear in film "Nanking", However, please watch the scene with considering the following points,

Even if some Japanese soldiers testified the existence of Nanking Incident, most Japanese soldiers testified, "We did not know it at all." They can not say, "Nanking Massacre did not take place at all." Because they did not witness it actually. Therefore, they cannot both affirm and deny "Nanking Incident". It would be strange if they deny Nanking Incident though they did not witness it. They were only surprised to hear that "Nanking Massacre took place". Therefore, nobody could deny Nanking Incident. They are honest and have common sense.

Even if some Japanese soldiers testified the existence of Nanking Incident, how　many people do you think only some Japanese soldiers could kill? 100? 10,000? 100,000? No way!! It is obvious that only some Japanese soldiers could not kill more than 10,000 people without atomic bombs. It is obvious that only some Japanese soldiers could not hide more than 10,000 dead bodies without magic. Why nobody took any photos of this killing field though more than 120 press persons were there?

Please watch film "nanking" with having the above questions. 　Why there is the controversy wthether Nanking Incident took place or not actually between Japan and China. Japan has neither admited the existence of Nanking Incident and nor deny it. Because nobody can deny Nanking Incident. Because nobody witness Nanking Incident. Nobody can neither admit it nor deny it. Therefore, only false goes alone. You will understand which film “Nanking” belongs to Documentary or Propaganda...

TAMAGAWABOAT

[TAMAGAWABOAT]

TED LEONSIS SCATTERS THE PROTOCOLS OF THE ELDERS OF ZION.

Do you know "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion"? This book was fabricated "Fiction" for the purpose of arousing anti-Semitic among Russian people by the secret police of the Russian Empire in 1905. This book made Jew's plot theory "The Jew is plotting the world domination" known to European society. Though numerous independent investigations have repeatedly proven it to be a plagiarism and a hoax, many European people believed the rumor "The Jew is plotting the world domination".

The Protocols also became a part of the Nazi propaganda effort to justify persecution of the Jews. Hitler said, "Whether this book is true is not important. The existence of this book is very important." Hitler used the Protocols as a manual in his war to exterminate the Jews. As a result, the largest-ever tragedy occurred.

Ted Leonsis who produced Film "Nanking" repeats the same words, "Rape of Nanking is Forgotten Holocaust. Though Japan invaded China, raped women and murdered 200,000 Chinese, Japan never admits this war crime and Japan never apologize to China." Ted Leonsis' words are the completely same as Chinese government's statement. And yet, he excuses as follows,”This documentary film is not an anti-Japan film but an anti-war film." I don't think so. The purpose of Film "Nanking" is to impress upon people in the world for how Japanese are cruel and barbarous. Ted leonsis is the person who scatters "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" to the world. The exclusive nationalism gains power all over the world. I worry about the misfortune that will happen to all Japanese in the future.

[toddliao]

Tamagawaboat,

You mentioned that "All 143 photos that China offered as evidence of Nanking Massacre turned out fake and fabricated by the study of Japanese histrian groups." Can you provide evidence to support what you said? Based on what did the "Japanese histrian groups" said the pictures are "fake and fabricated"? Who are these "Japanese histrian groups"?

You also said "Even if some Japanese soldiers testified the existence of Nanking Incident, most Japanese soldiers testified, “We did not know it at all.”" Therefore you concluded that only a small portion of the killing took place. You are confusing the concepts. The Japanese soldiers admitted the "Nanking Massacre" does exists, not that only they themselves individually killed several people. You cannot calculate the number of victims by the number of murderers who are willing to confess. There is a contradictory of witnesses, someone is lying, and you immediately choose to believe those who said "We did not know it at all.”

"Why nobody took any photos of this killing field though more than 120 press persons were there?" The pictures are there, the truth is there, but no one can help those who are willingly blind.

[TAMAGAWABOAT]

Hi. toddliao!

Thank you very much for question.
Japanese histrian groups: HIGASHINAKANO Shudo, TANAKA Masaaki
You can watch how they proved all 143 pictures were fake and fabricated at the following site,
http://tamagawaboat.wordpress.com/2007/01/09/photos-of-nanking-massacre/

Testimony is testimony, Testimony is different from evidence. Testimony is not evidence. Testimony becomes evidence after it proved the truth.

For example, I say, "I watched UFO last night." you will believe my testimony at once? you will ask me, "Please show me the evidence!" Do you think I'm wrong? Therefore, some Japanese soldiers' testimonies are not evidence.

It is the fact there is no picture to prove Nanking Incident though over 120 press persons were in Nanking. Please check the follwoing site,
http://tamagawaboat.wordpress.com/2007/01/09/the-news-of-nanjing-massacre/

To summarize, The legend "the Rape of Nanking" was fabricated by China's war-time propaganda. This is the Conclusion.

TAMAGAWABOAT

[ICHINOHE]

A story of real hero / Dedicate to Mr.Ted Leonsis

—————————————————————————————————————–

Major General Higuchi who saved the lives of 20,000 Jewish

On March 8th, 1938, a critical news was brought to Major General Higuchi who
was the Chief of Special Mission Department of Harbin.
It happened that about twenty thousand Jewish refugees who had fled from Nazis
oppression were stranded in snow in Otopohl of the Soviet Union. They came to Manchuria for
help by Siberia railway’s cargo train, but were refused their entry by it.
They couldn’t go ahead neither go back. Foods had run out and increasing number of
them were dying of cold because of hunger and cold.
They were pushed from Frankfurt to Poland where they were expelled to Soviet Union
because Poland had held about millions of Jewish people.

The Soviet Union had them settle in Siberia, which even themselves abandoned
to colonize because of its cold. As a result, the Jewish people who were mostly
urban habitants could not make it and they arrived Otopol in an attempt to
evacuate to Shanghai by way of Manchuria.

2. I agreed to the Jewish issue.

Doctor Kauffman, the chairman of Harbin Jewish Association rushed to General
Higuchi and explained to him the plight of his fellow countrymen.
However, it was beyond his commission to allow them to enter Manchuria without the
permission of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Manchuria. He thought the Ministry
didn’t make the move for fear of being accused by Kanto region Armed forces if
the evacuation stimulated Hitler. Higuchi was upset about the situation.

The Ministry didn’t respect the pride of Manchuria as an independent country.
The mission statement of the foundation of the country was the harmony of peoples
and the freedom and justice of all nations. “Doctor, I agreed to the Jewish issue!
I will be responsible for this matter by all means. Please start the preparation of
their acceptance.”

Doctor Kauffman, who was moved by the firm statement of
Higuchi cried over joy. Higuchi said, “Doctor, you’d better hurry.
There’s no time to cry!” Immediately he called up Matsuoka, the Manchuria Railway’s Governor
and started negotiation of the special evacuation train.

3. The refugees arrive

It was two days later on March 12th, more than ten executive officers led by
Doctor Kauffman were busy checking hot drinks and clothes, giving directions to
rescue teams. Then the evacuation train roared into the platform.

The windows were full of lean faces with beards and the platform rang with raucous
voices unexpectedly. No sooner had the trains stopped than the rescue teams
went into the trains.
Sick people and those who could not walk because of freezing were carried on stretchers
one after another. A lot of refugees collapsed with tears hugging whoever there were in the platform. Thin children started crying and howling frantically as they found bottles of milk
with their eyes rolled with surprise. “Well done, well done!”
Doctor Kauffman comforted the sick refugees running around the platform with his tears
rolling down his face. Hours later, General Higuchi received the report that all refugees
in Otopol were completely evacuated to Harbin.
Although there were over ten people who froze to death, all the refugees were admitted
into the Chamber of Commerce and schools and provide them with food except sick people
and more than twenty people with frostbite. Doctors said that there would have been
quite a few casualties had the evacuation trains been delayed another day.
About eighty per cent of the refugees traveled Dalian and Shanghai to the U.S. whereas the
rest of four thousand refugees remained there as pioneer farmers and settled in
Harbin inland. Higuchi took care of them fully such as fixing them up with land and housings,
giving directions to his followers.

4. The stubborn appeal from German Foreign Minister

As was expected, a strong appeal was brought from Germany opposed to the
protection of Jewish Refugee by General Higuchi.
The German Foreign Minister Riebentrop sent the following letter of appeal through German Ambassador in Japan Mr. Otto. “A General of your country who is engaged in an important
mission in Manchuria has not only criticized our national policy but also
interfered with the program and ideal of German nation and President Hitler.
The action of the General will infringe upon the common vision of both Germany and
Japan which has just enacted and will influence greatly against our friendly
relationship. We urge a swift action of Japanese government to the General in
question.”

The General was ordered to report to the Kanto Military Headquarters and
made the following comment to the Chief of the Staff Hideki Tojo (later
the Prime Minister). “If the German policy justifies in making the
expelled Jewish refugees stranded nowhere, it must be a horrible
anti-humanism. And it would be a shocking indignity and Manchuria and
Japanese Government would be condemned as the nations which are against
the humanism if they cooperated with the anti-humanistic German policy.

I am in favor of the diplomatic relation and friendship between Japan and
Germany. However, I believe that Japan is not a subject state of Germany,
nor Manchuria is of Japan.” Higuchi looked Tojo straight in the face.

The Chief remained silent as Higuchi asked, “Chief Tojo, do you think it is
fair to bully the weak assisting Hitler?” Tojo said after groping for words
and gazing at the ceiling. “General, I understand what you mean completely.
Your point is right and reasonable. I will communicate with the headquarter
regarding this matter and make it unquestionable.”

5. The departure of General Higuchi

What awaited for Higuchi was far from being unquestionable, but the
promotion to the second section manager of the General Staff Office.

Thispersonnel transfer must have reflected Japan’s creed that equal racial
treatment was the national policy and it would never support Hitler’s
racial discrimination policy.

On the day of his departure, the railway station was crowded with more than two thousand
well-wishers. Amongst them there were families of pioneer farmers from tens of kilometers
away in the inland who came all the way on horse coaches.

They were the Jewish refugees who Higuchi had made efforts in finding lands and dwellings.
When Higuchi stood at the station, a round of cheers surrounded him all at once. They
chanted, “Higuchi, Higuchi” one after another waving Japanese and

Manchurian flags. An elderly white-haired Jewish woman who was guided by
her grandchild kneeled down the road and prayed to Higuchi weeping all the
time. Entering the waiting room, Doctor Kauffman came with the representative
of White Russian Mr. Rosanov. Although both Jews and White-Russians had
been repeating bloody conflicts, they became in good terms with each other by
Higuchi as he founded a club for their friendship.
Mr. Rosanov gave a long kiss to Doctor Kauffman on the cheek and said.

“This is our farewell gift to you. We will be friendlier with each other without
forgetting General’s words.” As Higuchi stood at the last train’s observation deck,
the train “ASIA” started moving slowly sounding its train horn loudly.
“Higuchi!, Higuchi!” The crowd rushed and filled the platform jumping over the
entrance. Innocent looking boys kept running after the train “ASIA” waving their
both hands with their silver hair shaking wildly.

6. Now or never to answer for the kindness in Otopohl

After the war, the Soviet Far-East Force claimed Higuchi as a war criminal,
who was then in Sapporo and requested him to report to them through the
Allied Forces Headquarter.

The Soviet Forces, which had attacked NorthernChishima islands until August 19th
even after the cease-fire was greatlydamaged by General Higuchi who was responsible
for the Northern areaprotection and had a grudge against him having been stopped to
intrudeinto Hokkaido.
Having heard the crisis of Higuchi, the New York Headquarter of the World Jewish
Association started to make a move.

Amongst them werethose who had been rescued by Higuchi in Otopol.
“Now is the time to repay his obligation!” All the Jewish people in the world were
harangued andthe movement to rescue him began. As the World Jewish Association lobbied
the U.S. Ministry of Defense and the Macarthur General Headquarter rejected
the Soviet’s claim and by contraries announced his protection.

The Jewish people who had been persecuted in their long history all the more could not
forget a favor by others easily. The inscription “General Higuchi, Great
Humanitarian” carved on the Golden Book standing on the hill of Jerusalem is
the certificate of his favor.

——————————————————————————————————

End of real stroy in 1938, same year Nanking incident happen.

[weiguo]

I read several blogs about Nanking and saw this Tawagawaboat guy everywhere. I am not going to argue with him at all. It seems he is really into this. What does he do everyday? Just write up dozens of comments?

[tojospapa]

People who believe that china and usa fought for justice during World War II will have no doubt about the massacre at Nanking because it was proven at a court of justice. It was proven at the far east war crime tribunal more than 60 years ago, while many witnesses were still alive. Judges from seven countries, not just from china and usa, after reviewing comprehensive evidences, concluded that the Japanese army committed unspeakable atrocities at Nanking. It is not debatable.

As the witnesses are dying away, the so called Japanese scholars start to invent their evidences. How funny, how low and how cowardly.