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

Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday that the country is at a critical stage and must achieve national unity, emphasizing that maintaining internal cohesion is of utmost importance.

In a televised address, Rodriguez called on the public to continue trusting the government under the current highly complex political circumstances.

Her statement comes in the wake of a January 3 military operation conducted by the United States, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of the country.

The operation resulted in at least 100 fatalities.

Rodriguez, who was sworn in as acting president two days later on January 5, framed her appeal for unity against this backdrop of external intervention.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Minister of Communication and Information Freddy Nanez denounced the U.S. actions as a "war crime of the 21st century" when speaking at an international cultural event on Sunday.

Nanez condemned not only the January 3 airstrikes but also the associated cyber and electromagnetic attacks.

He accused the United States of violating international law through the forced removal of President Maduro and his wife, while attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, represent a flagrant breach of humanitarian norms.

He reiterated that the stigmatization and military attacks against Venezuela are driven by economic interests, particularly the desire to control its abundant natural resources.

Venezuelan acting president calls for national unity amid complex situation