Technology transcending ideologies: Chinese cinema technicians at Manying

Abstract

ABSTRACT At the Manchurian Film Association (or, Manying), Chinese technicians developed technological expertise under the instruction of Japanese specialists and demonstrated solid achievements. Yet they endured socio-economic inequality at Manying, which led them to react in different ways to Japanese rule. They used Manying’s own inconsistencies in order to get better professional options and compensations, and they used flexible strategies to defend their freedom and personal interests. Most Chinese technicians did not share Japan’s imperialist ideology but nonetheless leveraged their positions to advance personal interests. After Japan’s defeat, they formed a union to protect Manying equipment and undertook technological leadership at the Chinese-owned Northeast Film Company. Their hope to resume their professions mobilized them to help Chinese communist workers transport Manying equipment to Northern Manchuria before the civil war started. At the communist-led Northeast Film Production Studio, Manying-trained Chinese technicians lost leadership positions, yet their overall contribution to communist aims earned them recognition and membership in the Chinese Communist Party.