As the Guest of Honor of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, Brazil is endeavoring to promote cultural exchange with China through the movies. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Four Brazilian movies reflecting cultural and regional diversity have been selected for the festival.
Cassius Rosa, vice minister of the Ministry of Culture of Brazil, said the two countries should deepen exchanges in the film industry.
"I believe there is no better medium than films to help strengthen mutual understanding and cultural exchange between two countries. Movies help us understand the situation of both sides and deepen our friendship. Through films, we can introduce the rich and diverse Chinese culture that spans thousands of years to the Brazilian people. At the same time, we can showcase the joyful Brazilian character and the immense potential of the Brazilian market to our Chinese friends. We hope to create conditions that will not only facilitate introduction of Brazilian movies to China, but also Chinese movies to the Brazilian market," said Rosa.
This year's film festival has also seen the launch of a series of forums to create a platform for international guests to meet with Chinese companies involved in production, copyright, distribution, and other fields. It provides space and opportunities for cooperation between Chinese and overseas film institutions, attracting filmmakers and outstanding films from around the world, and jointly promoting the exchange and mutual learning of film cultures.
Opened on April 18, the 14th Beijing International Film Festival will run through to April 26.
Launched in 2011, the festival aims to boost exchange among global industry players. It has been attracting increasing international attention thanks to China's booming film market.
Brazil promotes cultural exchange at Beijing International Film Festival as Guest of Honor
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
