The African Film Promotion Conference of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) was held at Langyuan Station on April 22. The activity attracted the extensive participation of domestic and foreign filmmakers, and was warmly supported and praised by many embassies of African countries in China.

Mr. Harrveen K. Ramdhian, Second Secretary & Acting Deputy Chief of the Embassy of Mauritius in China, Mr. Arnaud Pambou, Cultural Counsellor from the Embassy of Gabon in China, Aimé Etoka, Educational Counsellor from the Embassy of the Republic of Congo in China, Mr. Simon-Pierre Adovelande, Ambassador of Benin to China, famous Chinese actress Fang Qingzhuo, Luc Bendza, the first representative of the African Film Association in China, Wang Yang, General Manager of Beijing Zhongyou Teng Cultural Industry Co., Ltd., a partner of the activity, and other guests were present at the promotion conference, and together witnessed the grand event of Sino-African cultural exchanges on films together.

 

Site of African Film Promotion Conference

When addressing the conference, Mr. Harrveen K. Ramdhian said that the government of Mauritius highly values the development of the film industry. As filmmaking is initially taking shape, the government actively encourages the vigorous development of various cultural and film industries. 

 

Mr. Harrveen K. Ramdhian delivers a speech

Later on, Ambassador Simon-Pierre Adovelande also delivered a speech. He stressed that Benin boasts a solid foundation for the film industry, and has gathered a large number of excellent film producers and artists. 

 

Ambassador Simon-Pierre Adovelande delivers a speech

Wang Yang, General Manager of Beijing Zhongyou Teng Cultural Industry Co., Ltd., a partner of the activity, noted that the African Film Promotion Conference is a concrete manifestation of Sino-African cultural exchanges, and can demonstrate the charm of respective cultures, historical stories and people's emotions in the art form of film.

 

Wang Yang delivers a speech

Famous actress Fang Qingzhuo said that as a filmmaker, she is willing to contribute to the development of both African and Chinese film industries, adding that she hoped more people to pay attention to African cinema. 

 

Fang Qingzhuo delivers a speech

Subsequently, Mr. Arnaud Pambou, a cultural counselor at the Embassy of Gabon in China, presented the Friendship Medal to Mr. Wang Yang and Ms. Fang Qingzhuo, thanks to their outstanding contributions to the friendship and cultural exchanges between China and Africa. This honor is not only a personal affirmation, but also a high recognition to the cause of Sino-African cultural exchanges.

 

 

Presentation of Friendship Medal

Luc Bendza, the first representative of the African Film Association in China, said that he has fortunately witnessed and participated in the history of Sino-African friendly relations in the past four decades, and was very bullish on the potential of Sino-African cooperation and future development. 

 

Luc Bendza delivers a speech

At the promotion conference, film producers and directors from many African countries displayed their latest works, while Chinese directors also brought their Africa-related films. These works demonstrated unique artistic styles and cultural and social realities of many African countries.

 

 

 

 

Display of works

The successful hosting of the African Film Promotion Conference has not only built an important platform for Sino-African cultural exchanges on films, but also provided the strong impetus for the friendly cooperation between China and Africa. The two sides will enhance exchanges and cooperation in more cultural fields, and create a better future together.

 

　　非洲电影推介会现场