The Titanic sank more than a century ago. Ever since then, stories of those who lost their lives and of the survivors have reverberated across the globe, further revived by the success of James Cameron’s iconic 1997 film, Titanic. But some stories were left untold.

Now, TVF International’s documentary The Six directed by British director Arthur Jones and exec-produced by James Cameron is challenging these gaps in history.

In November of 2021 TVF International organised a successful theatrical release of the feature documentary with sold out screenings at Picturehouse Central and Bertha Dochouse as well as additional Picturehouse screenings in Brighton, Southampton, Cambridge, Oxford, Liverpool and Manchester HOME organised by London-based UK China Film Collab. 

The Six tells the story of six Chinese sailors who survived the shipwreck only to be refused entry to the US under an anti-immigration law called the Chinese Exclusion Act. Just hours after their escape, immigration officials escorted the six men to a cargo ship bound for Cuba. They then seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. Following an international team of researchers, the documentary takes us on a journey across China to the USA as well as to Canada and the UK, in search of the survivor’s descendants. As well as featuring exclusive interviews with James Cameron and stunning animations, The Six also includes a previously unreleased, deleted scene from Titanic.

Alongside a review from The Hollywood Reporter who called The Six a ‘clear-eyed examination of global racism’ and ‘a penetrating argument for looking beyond written history for narrative reconstruction’, news of the UK theatrical release featured on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme who interviewed the film’s lead researcher, Clotilde Yap, about her experience exploring the hidden history. Further pieces and interviews with Arthur Jones featured on Times Radio, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio Solent and BBC Merseyside. 

The Six has also picked up a Special Jury Award at the Beijing International Film Festival, the Best Historical Documentary Award at Immigration Film Festival, the Best Feature Documentary at Bangkok International Film Festival, and the Insights Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival. 

Representing the film’s broadcast rights, the TVF International team have already licensed the film to several broadcasters across the world including NHK in Japan, ABC in Australia, RTHK in Hong Kong as well as RTVE in Spain, with many other deals in negotiation.

 “As filmmakers, we hope our effort in telling this story will shine a light on people who have lost hope, who are still suffering from mistreatment, who are living under the shadow of shame,” said Luo Tong, Producer of The Six, reflecting on the impact of The Six’s events now. “We hope it can help people find the courage and confidence to defy injustice.”