The Shanghai International Film Festival held a special forum Tuesday, attended by directors documenting the fight against COVID-19 in Wuhan.

Five directors, working in documentary, TV series and short videos shared their experiences and thoughts on making documentary films on COVID-19.

One of them is Fan Shiguang.

During the outbreak in Wuhan in February, Fan and his team went to the city and produced a six-episode documentary on medical personnel fighting against COVID-19 .

The director is best known for his Life Matters series that garnered attention for its touching real-life stories and in-depth portrayal of humanity and relationships back in 2016.

For Fan, as a documentary filmmaker, it's important to avoid making assumptions or labeling his subject, but to show different sides of the person they're filming.

"Each of the medics dispatched to Wuhan has his or her own story. What we can do is to do our utmost to record their stories, and stitch their memories in the battle against COVID-19 together like doing a puzzle," Fan said during the forum.

"I remember when we were filming in the 'red zone,' the quarantine ward for patients in critical condition, one doctor told me I was a hero going there to film ... but to me, he was the real hero," he added. 

Takeuchi Ryo, the director of "Long Time No See, Wuhan" also attended the event.

His documentary chronicles 10 days in the life of 10 ordinary Wuhan residents recovering from the events that have played out in the city since late December.

The Japanese director said he wished he could go to Wuhan and document what's happening in the city during the lockdown, but the circumstances wouldn't allow it. 

"So it's good to be here and listen to my fellow directors sharing their stories. I think these documentaries are a valuable source of information," he told CGTN.

The 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival is the world's first major cinematic event to take place since the coronavirus outbreak.

It will run until August 2, featuring a mix of online and offline screenings, film forums and other activities.