A scene from the  Scars of Nanjing.

"It shouldn't be the case that people don't know about such an important historical event," he said. "It's especially true when right-wing Japanese still try to cover up the truth and confuse the public."

Benefactors

Bu said the docudrama also shows that the Chinese are a grateful people.

"People in Nanjing and all Chinese people will never forget Robert Wilson, Minnie Vautrin, John Magee, George Fitch, John Rabe, Miner Bates, Bernhard Sindberg and other international friends," Bu said, citing the names of some of witnesses of massacre.

"We hope such humanitarian spirit and actions in pursuit of peace and justice will be carried forward in the world," he added.

Humphrey, the executive producer, believes that few Americans know much of anything about China's history.

"After watching Scars of Nanking I hope they will realize that this superpower from Asia also endured immense suffering at the hands of the Japanese during World War II," he said.

He said he hopes people in the United States will also realize that US citizens have been living and working in China for centuries.

"I think they will be genuinely surprised by the massive cultural bond that the Nanjing Massacre brings between Americans and Chinese to this day," he said.

"The fact that 80 years later the Chinese still give thanks and pay respect to those Americans who stayed behind in Nanjing is a testament to how important it is to them," Humphrey said.