By Li Xuda
To strengthen the unity and promote harmony in diversity between Asia and Africa, tthe 4th Asian Film Festival was jointly organized by 9 Asian Countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Philippines, Syria from Nov 21 to 25, 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.
On Nov 21, the Opening Ceremony of 4th Asian Film Festival was successfully held at China Cultural Center in Nigeria. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Cultural Counselors from 9 Asian Countries and senior cultural officials from Nigeria graced the event. H. E. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Cui Jianchun was present and delivered a welcome speech.
In his speech, Ambassador Cui said that time flies quickly, since the 1st Asian Film Festival was successfully held in July 2017, 5 years has already passed away. In early 2020, when the COVID-19 broke out in Nigeria, its government imposed lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and other states of Nigeria, we had no other choice but to stop Asian Film Festival for two years. Now the pandemic has been gradually under control, more and more people got vaccinated, we are very delighted to see our lives are gradually returning to normal. Under this encouraging situation, with joint efforts from 9 Asian countries, we are proud to announce that Asian Film Festival is back!
Since culture is the soul of a nation, so cultural exchanges actually an exchange of souls between people from different nations. Film is an artistic expression of culture, film festival joint hosted by many countries will definitely create an important platform for people to understand other counties’ culture, art and lifestyle, then promote the mutual understanding among the peoples and strengthen the good relationship between countries. On this solid basis that understanding overcomes misunderstanding and friendship replaces hatred, people will be able to live in harmony, the whole world will be able to develop peacefully.
In his good will message, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), lauded the Chinese embassy for “always taking the lead in initiatives and events that would foster harmony and unity” across sectors. “We will like to be part of [the symphony] 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,” he said.
At the opening ceremony, famous Nigerian singer Aishida song a popular song “Nations”, Chinese martial arts enthusiasts from the Abuja Wushu Association performed fabulous martial arts, which won warm applause from the audience.
China’s film “At Last” and beautiful films from other 8 Asian countries were shown one by one during the film festival. Through appreciating these films with different cultural background, the concept of “Harmony in Diversity” was widely accepted, and the mutual learning among people from different countries help them become more united. This is the ideal state we strive for, this is also the real reason why we work together to make our film festival possible!
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