China to partner with Nigeria Film Industry

Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, has said culture is a tool to build strong bilateral relations among countries.

Xuda told the News Agency of Nigeria at the sideline of the commemoration of the 3rd Asian Film Festival in Abuja during the week.

He said that culture was key to connecting countries irrespective of their belief.

According to him, culture is another way of promoting peace and harmony among nations without prejudice.

He said that China was one of the largest movie markets in the world, adding that each year, many foreign movies come into China and this helped to connect countries together.

Xuda added that the movie industry was also an important section of the cultural industry which showcased diverse cultures.

“I think especially in Nigeria, Nollywood is one of the most famous around the world and the Nigerian movie production is among top three around the world and we are proud of that.

“Nigeria and China have about the largest space and if they cooperate with each other, it will improve both countries in terms of synergy and relationship.

“You know China is one of the largest movie markets in the world, and I think the Asian Film Festival make Asian countries and Nigeria connect with each other.

“Under this foundation, the cordial relationship will be improved and lots of beautiful things through it,” he said.

The envoy noted that Nigeria’s culture and that of China have a lot of similarities in areas of huge population, adding that it would be an added advantage for both countries.

He also said that the uniqueness and diverse cultures of a country was one aspect that should be respected by others and through movie, culture, would be promoted and relations strengthened.

Xuda, however, stressed that seeing different cultures of the Asians, Nigerians, others through movies would help in promoting cultural integration.

The Envoy reiterated commitment to partner with Nigeria Film Industry to boost and promote cultural diversities.

“I think that the partnership will help to improve quality and expertise for better cooperation.

He, however, enjoined other Asian countries to participate in the next edition of Asian Film Festival Nigeria.

Also speaking, Mr Morteza Rahim-Zarchi, the Iranian Ambassador, noted that culture bond countries and also promotes peaceful co-existence.

He, therefore, enjoined other Asian countries to champion the event and also admonished other countries to invest in cultural activities.

NAN reported that eight countries participated in the 3rd Edition of Asian Film Festival Nigeria 2020 namely; Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Korea, Palestine, Syria, Iran and China.