Two-day Chinese film festival kicks off in Lahore

LAHORE: A two-day Chinese Film Festival commenced in Lahore, featuring a diverse selection of films aimed at fostering cultural exchange between Pakistan and China.

The Punjab Information Minister, Uzma Bukhari, attended the opening ceremony as a special guest.

Masterpiece films on various themes are being screened at the cinema.

Organized with the support of the Chinese Consulate, the two-day festival features a total of five films. Among the standout films presented is “The Wandering Earth”, a science fiction movie based on a novel.

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Upon her arrival, Bukhari was welcomed by the Chinese Consul General, Zhao Shiren.

The event will showcase five films, including a science fiction piece and a narrative centred on the experiences of the allied Chinese army during the Korean War, as highlighted by the consul general.

The Chinese war drama film “The Battle at Lake Changjin”, produced in 2021, is another highlight of the festival.

The film portrays the story of Chinese allied forces in North Korea who compelled American troops to retreat during the Korean War. It remains China’s most expensive film ever made, with a budget of $200 million.

The festival also features “My People, My Country”, a film reflecting on memorable moments from 1949 to 2019 in China. It is an anthology of seven short stories and was released on 30 September 2019 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Another notable screening is “Great Love Dunhuang”, a biographical film based on the life of Chinese archaeologist Fan Jinshi, who dedicated five decades to preserving the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Grottoes, linked to the Gandhara civilization in northwestern China.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren said that the festival would serve as a bridge of cultural harmony between the two friendly countries.

In addition to these films, the festival will also present a documentary that captures significant historical moments and the biography of a renewed archaeologist.

The Punjab Interior Minister stated that the initiative was important in bettering the understanding of Chinese civilisation among Pakistani film-makers. “Films play a crucial role in creating harmony and connections between cultures”, she stated.

She also remarked on the ability of good stories to transcend borders, reinforcing the notion that cinema can serve as a bridge between distinct cultures.

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Uzma Bukhari concluded by celebrating the ‘enduring friendship’ between Pakistan and China. She said that the festival stood a testament to the strong relations shared by the two neighbouring states.