As the 17th BRICS Summit wrapped up on Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a young Egyptian filmmaker has expressed hope that this mechanism will play a role in strengthening collaboration among its member and partner countries in the film industry.
Ahmed Alaa, a rising Gen Z film director based in Cairo, also advocates for the establishment of a joint organization dedicated to promoting cultural and academic exchanges to enable young professionals in the creative industries to connect with each other across diverse cultures.
Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), he cited the New Development Bank (NDB), which was founded by the original five BRICS states over a decade ago, as a successful example of cooperation under the framework that has helped amplified the voice of Global South countries.
"I'm a filmmaker and cinematographer from Cairo, Egypt. I have heard about quite a few things BRICS has done. They have set up that New Development Bank which helps fund stuff in member countries, especially infrastructure. BRICS feels like a way for the Global South to finally have a voice," said the filmmaker in the interview released on Wednesday.
Alaa believes that young talent working in film production in BRICS countries can play an important role in connecting different cultures, and looks forward to seeing deepening cultural exchanges.
"I think Gen Z has a real chance to shake things up. We are more connected, more aware. BRICS can give us the opportunity to cooperate and connect with different nationalities. I can go and film in India, or collaborate with some Chinese filmmakers, or travel and shoot on Brazilian streets. It will be great to have a union with cultural exchange and scholarship. If there is a platform to connect and make us put our impact and put our opinions to share it together, I think it will be great," he said.
BRICS originally grouped the world's five emerging economies, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which together set up the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 to support the construction of infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the member nations.
In the past two years, the intergovernmental organization has more than doubled its membership to include six new countries - Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, it has so far welcomed 10 countries as official partners.
Young Egyptian filmmaker expects closer cross-cultural collaboration under BRICS mechanism
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
