About This Site
Welcome to Iris Chang The Movie — an independent resource dedicated to the documentary film about Iris Chang and the historical events she brought to worldwide attention. We are passionate about preserving the memory of what happened in Nanking and honoring the courage it took to tell that story.
Who We Are
This website is run by independent writers and documentary enthusiasts who believe the story of the Rape of Nanking deserves continued attention and thoughtful discussion. We are not affiliated with the filmmakers, production companies, or distributors of the Iris Chang documentary. Our work here is journalistic and educational in nature.
We started this site because we felt there was a gap — a need for a dedicated space that brings together information about the documentary, its subject matter, and the remarkable woman whose book changed how the world understood a forgotten atrocity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the official website for the Iris Chang documentary?
No. This is an independently operated site. We cover the documentary, its background, and related historical topics, but we have no formal connection to the film’s producers or rights holders.
What documentary are you covering?
We primarily focus on the documentary film that explores the life and work of Iris Chang, particularly her groundbreaking 1997 book The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. The film examines both the historical massacre and Chang’s tireless efforts to bring it into public consciousness.
Who was Iris Chang?
Iris Chang (1968–2004) was an American journalist and author whose work exposed the Nanking Massacre to a broad Western audience. Her book became an international bestseller and sparked renewed scholarly and public interest in a chapter of World War II history that had been largely overlooked in the West for decades. She was a fearless researcher who interviewed survivors and dug through archival evidence at a time when many preferred the subject remain buried.
What was the Rape of Nanking?
The Rape of Nanking (also called the Nanjing Massacre) refers to the mass atrocities committed by Imperial Japanese forces after the fall of Nanjing, China’s capital, in December 1937. Over a period of approximately six weeks, soldiers carried out widespread killings, assaults, and destruction. Historians estimate that hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed. It remains one of the most devastating episodes of wartime violence in the twentieth century.
Why does this history still matter?
Because memory is fragile. Survivors are aging, and their firsthand accounts are disappearing. The Nanking Massacre is not just a historical event — it is a reminder of what happens when atrocities go unacknowledged. Iris Chang understood this deeply, and her work helped ensure that the world would not forget. We believe documentary film is one of the most powerful tools for keeping that memory alive.
Do you accept contributions or guest articles?
We occasionally work with historians, educators, and documentary enthusiasts who have relevant expertise. If you have something meaningful to contribute — a historical perspective, a personal connection, a research finding — we would love to hear from you. Reach out through our Contact page.
How do you ensure accuracy?
We take historical accuracy very seriously. Our content is cross-referenced with established scholarly sources, survivor testimonies, and archival records. When we are uncertain about a claim, we say so. We would rather leave a question open than publish something misleading. You can read more about our standards on our Editorial Policy page.
Disclaimer: This site operates independently and is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by any film studio, production company, or the estate of Iris Chang. All opinions expressed here are our own. We maintain this site out of genuine respect for the history and the people who lived it.
Last updated: March 2026
