Cui Jinachun, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, has urged for cooperation between the Asian and Nollywood film industries to create works that will foster harmony, peace, and unity between the two continents.
At the Fourth Asian Film Festival’s opening ceremony and movie screening on Monday in Abuja, Jinachun made the announcement.
He also suggested setting up events in China where Chinese citizens might view Nigerian films to learn more about the nation.
He asserted that Nigeria was essential to Africa and that the Nollywood film industry had assumed the foreground with a significant potential to advance the cause.
“I am really happy to share my idea with you all and you know this year, we proposed harmony symphony in Nigeria. I think that is how we can find way to promote harmony and symphony.
“So, the fourth Asian film festival is very good. Here, we have nine countries from Asia continent. I think that it is beyond Asia because I believe that harmony is for every nation.
“You know in Asian countries, we have 47; in African continent we have 54 countries, so we can work together to produce film for the harmony of the people, society and the nations.
“I do believe that Nigeria can take the lead because Nollywood is in Nigeria,” he said.
“Because Nigeria particularly leads in producing in the film industry, so I think this kind of factor will give a big push and big momentum to develop Nollywood, especially to Asian countries.
“I hope that next year, maybe Nigeria can do this in China for people to enjoy the film. I think we should make this happen.
The Chinese Embassy was praised by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), for consistently taking the lead in projects and activities that would promote harmony and togetherness across all sectors.
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According to Runsewe, the purpose of the event was to provide a forum for international exchange of ideas and viewpoints among nations with various perspectives.
He claims that this will help people grasp how important culture is as a unifying factor between nations.
“Let me applaud the organizers for coming at this time and the nine countries for demonstrating and showcasing their strength via films and festivals,” the speaker said.
It is a great deal to say that Nigeria is safe and we are happy to join them in this wonderful celebration.
”We will like to be part of it from next year. That is, we will be able to find a way to get Nigerian production to join this. It is never too late that we can use the platform to showcase Nigeria.
“So for me, the Chinese people have succeeded in giving out this platform from us to see the strength of all the nine countries put together and it is a welcome development.
“I look at it as an opportunity for us to also build after this time”.
Saying that Nigeria is safe and that we are glad to participate in their lovely celebration is a big matter.
“We’d like to participate starting in the next year. In other words, we’ll be able to figure out how to include Nigerian output in this. There is never a bad time to use the platform to promote Nigeria.
“But for now, we must appreciate the Chinese community and the Ambassador who has made this possible.
“The ultimate goal is for us to exchange views and coming to understand that culture is a rallying point to bring people together,” Runswewe said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the nine Asian nations taking part in the five-day event from November 21 to November 24 are China, Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Syria. (NAN)
