Hubei Province in central China is experimenting with film and food tie-ups, theming dining experiences and dishes around popular movies to spur consumer spending, benefit people's livelihoods, and stabilize employment.
The "Zhonghua Meishi Hui (China Cuisine Festival)" opened on Monday in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei, alongside a special "Dine like in the Movies" promotion featuring dishes inspired by hit films.
He Wenzheng, director of the film division under the Publicity Department of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) , said the local government is establishing a mechanism to allow restaurants and movie producers to work together to develop movie-themed dishes, banquets and restaurants.
"As well as holding film festivals and exchange activities, we will also launch a film-themed food corridor to boost consumer spending through immersive experiences. By leveraging multi-dimensional synergies, we aim to unlock the cultural value-added potential of cuisine and simultaneously explore new revenue streams for the film market and industry," explained He.
During the culinary festival, different chefs from 19 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions showcased their regional specialties.
"The 'Dine like in the Movies' activity is a deep integration of catering and culture, as well as an innovative development model. In recent years, our film industry has become increasingly prosperous. If movies and food can be integrated in a novel manner, the model can generate a 'one plus one is more than two' effect and promote a new hot spot for customers," said Yang Liu, president of the China Culinary Association.
Film, food tie-ups driving demand in Hubei
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
