Film traces US writers’ steps in wartime China

A new documentary, ‘Bridge to a Shared Future,’ delves into the remarkable journeys of American journalists Edgar Snow and Helen Foster Snow, who reported from China during the tumultuous 1930s. The film, co-produced by the Shaanxi Tourism Group and the Helen Foster Snow Foundation, captures the enduring legacy of their firsthand accounts during China’s revolutionary era. Adam Foster, chairman of the foundation and great-nephew of Helen Foster Snow, recently completed the hourlong documentary, which was filmed in both China and the US. The documentary retraces the Snows’ footsteps, exploring their significant contributions to cross-cultural understanding and their role as pioneers in reporting on China’s communist movement. Edgar Snow, the first Western journalist to interview Mao Zedong, authored ‘Red Star Over China,’ a seminal work that provided early Western insights into China’s communist revolution. Helen Foster Snow, known for her extensive writings including ‘Inside Red China’ and ‘My China Years,’ also interviewed Mao and other Chinese leaders during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The documentary incorporates archival materials and personal accounts from the Snows’ descendants, shedding light on their untold stories. Foster, who grew up hearing tales of his great-aunt’s adventures, only fully grasped her impact during a 2016 visit to Xi’an, China. Inspired by her legacy, he founded the Helen Foster Snow Foundation to continue her work as a cultural bridge builder. The film also highlights the Gung Ho movement, initiated by Helen Foster Snow, which aimed to unite people from diverse backgrounds to address common challenges. Despite her significant contributions, many in the US remain unaware of her story. The documentary’s premiere in Salt Lake City, Utah, was met with praise, with attendees emphasizing the importance of Helen Foster Snow’s legacy in fostering US-China relations. Foster hopes the film will raise awareness of this historical chapter, demonstrating the deep-rooted collaboration between the two nations.