Through the medium of film, Hunan and Africa are getting closer together. From June 9 to 11, the China·Hunan Film Week Comes to Africa-Kenya serial events were held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Eight films and over 40 calligraphy, painting, and photography works traveled across continents to reach Kenyan audiences, presenting Chinese stories and the image of Hunan. The works spanned a wide range of themes—from ancient Chinese mythological stories to contemporary feats in poverty alleviation, from Yuan Longping's dream of "enjoying the cool under the rice crops taller than men" to the vibrant street life across the province.

During the event, eight Chinese films were screened over 20 times at venues including the Century Cinemaxin Nairobi, United Nations Office at Nairobi, and University of Nairobi. These films were: Yuan Longping; Mao Zedong and Qi Baishi; Ode to the Land; Tale of the Night; Special Party Branch; When We Are Young; Hi, Mom; and, Into the Mortal World.

The screening venues buzzed with enthusiasm, with many films playing to packed houses. After watching the film Ode to the Land, many audience members and cinema staff were moved to tears, expressing their awe and respect for China's poverty alleviation achievements. At the screening of the animated film Into the Mortal World, some in the audience even stood through the entire film. Local cinemas also expressed intentions to collaborate with the film's producers, looking forward to introducing Chinese films to all cinemas in Kenya and showing their support through actual box office sales.

A "Beautiful China · Splendid Xiaoxiang" Hunan Calligraphy, Painting, and Photography Exhibition was also held. Recommended by the Hunan Federation of Literary and Art Circles, over 40 photography, calligraphy, and painting works were displayed, including "Lush Greenery · Small Dongjiang River," "Flying Over Dongting Lake," "Aiwan Pavilion · Snow," and "Chinese Opera · Kunqu The Peony Pavilion." These works, depicting Hunan's landscapes, cultural heritage, and folk customs, vividly present the province's time-honored historical culture, profound revolutionary culture, and vibrant modern culture.

"I believe films have a strong power to inspire, and people's shared emotions know no borders," said Noah Otieno, director of the Department of Film Services in Kenya's Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. He noted that Kenyan audiences would take this opportunity to appreciate Hunan's profound and brilliant cultural heritage, and that film creators, scholars, young students, and industry practitioners from both countries would gain a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and forge connections.

Timothy Owase, chief executive officer of the Kenya Film Commission, said that the film week not only screens brilliant cinematic works from Hunan but also builds a bridge, providing cooperation opportunities for Kenyan and Chinese filmmakers, promoting the sharing of technical expertise, and co-creating stories that resonate globally.

The event was co-hosted by the Hunan Provincial Film Bureau, the Information Office of the Hunan Provincial People's Government, the Hunan Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.  

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn