On October 22, an opening-day screening of Chasing Waves, China’s first theatrical film portraying the life and spirit of marine scientist Wen Shengchang, was held in Qingdao. Li Ming, Chairman of the Ocean University of China (OUC) Council; OUC Vice Presidents Wang Houjie, Wang Xuepeng, and Li Yan; members of Wen Shengchang’s family; faculty and student representatives; and members of the film’s creative, publicity, and distribution teams attended the event. Together, they marked the film’s official theatrical release and revisited Wen Shengchang’s exemplary life of exploring the ocean and serving the nation through scientific research.
Wen Shengchang was a pioneer in China’s ocean wave research and one of the founders of physical oceanography in the country. A widely revered scholar and educator, his exemplary character in life and scholarship and profound devotion to his country continue to inspire OUC faculty and students to work tirelessly and scale new heights in support of China’s scientific and educational endeavors.
Chasing Waves was produced by OUC and jointly created by its faculty, students, and alumni. Set between the 1940s and the 1960s, the film vividly tells the moving story of the young Wen Shengchang, who developed a deep connection with the ocean, made the decisive transition from aeronautical machinery to marine science, and devoted himself to research on wave theory and its applications, eventually becoming a towering figure and a beacon of inspiration in China’s marine science and education community.
After the screening, the audience was deeply moved, noting that the film had given them a vivid sense of an older generation of scientists’ steadfast dedication to ocean research in service of the nation. It also deepened their understanding of the OUC spirit of “standing at the forefront and serving the nation through ocean development.”
Vice President Wang Houjie said he remained deeply moved long after the screening. Wen Shengchang was a renowned physical oceanographer and educator who made outstanding contributions to China’s marine science and education. His lifelong dedication to ocean research and commitment to serving the nation through science will always be remembered and revered. OUC is now thoroughly implementing the guiding principles of President Xi Jinping’s important reply letter to its faculty and students and forging ahead toward its goal of becoming a world-class university with distinctive characteristics. The film’s nationwide theatrical release is both a tribute to Wen Shengchang and a call for science and technology professionals and students to follow the example of earlier generations of scientists: to serve the country with dedication, carry forward the work of their predecessors, scale new heights, and pursue innovation, thereby helping achieve high-level self-reliance and strength in marine science and technology. He expressed confidence that the film would inspire more people to learn about the ocean, develop a passion for it, and dedicate themselves to ocean-related endeavors, generating powerful momentum for strengthening China’s marine sector.
