Chinese movies hits big screens in Brazil as Film Festival opens in Rio

The 2024 China Film Festival in Brazil opened in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, with audiences treated to a selection of Chinese cinematic releases and new film-making cooperation agreements being signed.

The festival, co-hosted by the China Film Administration, the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, and the Consulate General of China in Rio de Janeiro, and organized by the China Film Archive, is supported by Brazil's Ministry of Culture.

A total of nine recently released Chinese films including the gritty crime thriller "Endless Journey", comedy-drama "YOLO", and action film "Ride On" starring Jackie Chan will be screened during the festival.

Mao Yu, executive deputy director general of the China Film Administration, delivered an address at the opening ceremony, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil.

He highlighted Brazil's role as the guest country at the Beijing International Film Festival back in April, where four outstanding Brazilian films were showcased to Chinese audiences during a Brazilian Film Week, offering a glimpse of Brazil's vibrant culture.

The crime film "Endless Journey" was screened following the opening ceremony. It tells the tale of a disbanded police team, who, after being imprisoned for an accidental death during an interrogation, reunite years later under their former leader to relentlessly pursue the remaining suspect in an unsolved murder case.

Director Dai Mo and lead actor Zhang Yi present to engage with the audience in a special Q and A session after the screening, and say they are amazed to receive such a warm reception.

"I never imagined that a film I performed in would be screened so far away in Latin America. We're thrilled to see how Brazilian audiences respond," said Zhang.

"Film is a fast bridge between cultures. We hope that through these screenings, Brazilians will gain a deeper understanding of China," said Dai.

The opening ceremony also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on film cooperation between the China Film Administration, China Film Archive, and Brazil's Ministry of Culture, aimed at broadening opportunities for filmmakers from both countries.

In recent years, China and Brazil have strengthened their film collaboration, with the two governments signing a co-production agreement in 2017 and a MoU on cooperation signed between the Beijing International Film Festival and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival this April.

Chinese movies hits big screens in Brazil as Film Festival opens in Rio

Passengers and tourism sector in Buenos Aires have hailed the launch of the first direct air route between China and Argentina, believing the twice-weekly service will boost tourism and ties between the two countries.

China Eastern Airlines' flight MU745 touched down in Buenos Aires on Thursday afternoon, marking the official launch of the first direct air route between China and Argentina.

The flight departed Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 02:19 Beijing time on Thursday, made a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, and arrived at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport after a whole flight of about 25 hours and 30 minutes.

Passengers on the flight were greeted with applause and emotional reunions upon arrival.

"Actually, it's my dream to come to South America, including Argentina. It's kind of a challenge for our age. We're over 50! [If] 30, it's fine. The flight is convenient and comfortable," said Jack, a Chinese tourist.

This is the first direct flight linking South America and China. Before this route opened, the options available to those traveling between South America and China was to fly via Europe, via North America, or via the Middle East, with time in the air well over 30 hours.

"[When I traveled to China,] I went via Frankfurt. I had a 10-hour layover, so it was very long. This flight was 26 hours in total," said Emilio del Campo, another passenger.

Spanning over 20,000 kilometers, the new link has broken the record for the world's longest one-way flight.

"Everyone was waiting for this flight. We all were. Everyone was wondering when tickets would go on sale. From hotels waiting for Chinese tourists to come, to everything related to the tourism sector. And there are also Argentinians who want to experience this new route," said Cristina Hung, a business manager with Hungs Tourism.

For 25 years, this agency in the Chinese neighborhood in Buenos Aires has sold travel packages for those traveling between the two countries.

"[The flight] will comprehensively promote such areas as tourism, trade, and culture. It will make a wide range of activities easier, from economic missions and trade fairs to investment, academic collaboration, and more," said Ana Wang, manager of the travel agency.

First direct air route between China, Argentina hailed by passengers, tourism sector