By Omonu Nelson, Abuja
China, Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Syria has staged the Fourth Asian Film Festival and movie screening in Abuja.
At the event, which opened on Monday, 21st November, 2022, at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jinachun, called for collaboration between Nollywood and Asian film industries, to produce works that would promote harmony, peace and unity between both continents.
He also proposed the organising of events in China where Nigerian movies could be watched by Chinese citizens to educate them more about the country.
He said that Nigeria is critical to Africa and the Nollywood movie industry had taken the lead with a huge potential of driving the goal.
“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 Asian continent. I think that it is beyond Asia because I believe that harmony is for every nation.
“You know in Asia we have 47 countries, in African continent we have 54 countries, so we can work together to produce films 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.
The envoy further said that African countries are led by Nigeria in producing films.
“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.
“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,” Jinachun said.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-Deneral, the National Council for Arts and Culture lauded the Chinese Embassy for taking the lead in initiatives and events that would foster harmony and unity across all sectors.
Runsewe said that the aim of the event was to create opportunity for countries to exchange views and ideas from different perceptions.
“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 for us to use the platform to showcase Nigeria.
“So for me, the Chinese people have succeeded in giving out this platform 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,” he added.