Dec 21st, 2023
Sharing a Splendid Cinematic Feast – 2023 China (Xiamen, Fujian) - Cambodia Film Week Concludes Successfully
The China (Xiamen-Fujian) China-Cambodia Film Week was held in Xiamen from December 18 to 21, 2023. Featuring a special exhibition of Chinese and Cambodian film derivatives, a promotion event for the Angkor Wat outdoor shooting base, an opening ceremony, a China-Cambodia master filmmaker forum, and screenings of outstanding Cambodian films, the event allowed guests and local residents to experience the charm of Chinese and Cambodian cultures and further boosted bilateral exchanges in film culture. The grand event received extensive coverage from numerous mainstream media outlets including CCTV-6, Xiamen Daily, China Business News, Fujian Daily, Economic Daily, Haibo TV, Haixi Morning News and Hong Kong Commercial Daily.
The Special Exhibition of Chinese and Cambodian Film Derivatives
The Special Exhibition of Chinese and Cambodian Film Derivatives was hosted at the ART MORE Art Center of Xianglu Bay Wutong Fliport Hotel in Huli District. The exhibits showcase distinctive Cambodian traditional features, balancing academic depth with high ornamental value. Since its official opening on the 19th, the exhibition has drawn an endless stream of visitors who spoke highly of all displayed works. It truly breaks the boundary between films and fine arts, expanding the reach of cinematic and artistic expression.
At the opening ceremony, Borak Pok, Director of the Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Li Xiaohong, Executive Vice Dean of the School of Film, Xiamen University, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Human Resource Development for the Film Industry between the National Film Authority of Cambodia and the School of Film, Xiamen University of China. With joint efforts of filmmakers from both countries, this partnership will inject new momentum into the development of the film industries of China and Cambodia and bring more high-quality motion pictures to audiences.
While boasting a diverse lineup of events, the Film Week upheld rigorous professional standards. Renowned filmmakers from China and Cambodia were invited to the forum to explore potential areas for bilateral cooperation from an industry perspective, facilitating high-quality development of the China-Cambodian film sector.
In addition, four outstanding Cambodian feature films were screened during the event, including critically acclaimed local productions and award-winning titles recognized at international film festivals. These screenings deepened Chinese audiences’ understanding of Cambodia, fostering greater familiarity and affection for the country.
2023 marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship. Launched to deepen cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Film Week serves as a vital cultural bridge. Hong Li, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of Cambodia Asian Film Festival, commented: “We hope this Film Week will evolve into a key platform for bilateral exchanges in film, culture and arts. It opens a window for Chinese people to learn about Cambodia and facilitates the promotion of outstanding Chinese films and television works across Cambodia.”
In active response to the Belt and Road Initiative's call for enhanced cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and Cambodia, the China (Xiamen, Fujian) – Cambodia Film Week leverages cinema to present China-Cambodia culture to the world. Moving forward, the Cambodia Asian Film Festival will continue advancing Belt and Road film cultural exchanges by exporting outstanding works overseas and introducing international productions domestically. It will further deepen bilateral communication in film and television, jointly drive industrial growth, deliver mutual benefits, and create an ever richer feast of cross-cultural cinema.