During a recent symposium held in Beijing, Xie Li, a Party committee member of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, listed the popularity of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru as the latest example showcasing the rise of Chinese documentaries. Previous excellent works include Snow Leopards and Friends, Remembering 1950 and Like the Dyer's Hand, added Xie.

Xie expressed hope that Chinese filmmakers will produce more quality documentaries that can resonate with international audiences.

Jiao Hongfen, chairman of the China Film Producers' Association, said that The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru has brought pride to domestic filmmakers and will encourage more excellent documentaries to be screened in theaters.