‘China Film Day’ concludes screening three films

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 10: A one-day Nepal’s first-ever ‘China Film Day’ concluded, with a screening of three Chinese films in Chhaya Centre, Kathmandu. on Thursday.

 Former Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun was the chief guest at the event, which also saw the participation of veteran Nepali artists such as Nir Shah, Sunil Thapa, Kedar Ghimire (Magne Buda), as well as prominent personalities from Nepal's film and literary sectors. 

The event also featured a significant presence of Chinese filmmakers and artists.

Speaking at the festival, Minister Pun expressed his delight at participating in the inauguration of Nepal’s first-ever China Film Day. 

He said, “This is a celebration of cultural relations. I believe this event will help strengthen the bond between  two neighbouring countries.”

Likewise, KP Pathak, President of the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy and the organiser of the festival, said that the event was not just about watching films but served as a gateway to a broader and more enduring collaboration between the two nations. 

Xu Yang, director of the International Division of the China Film Administration, praised Nepal as a beautiful country with an ancient civilisation. He added, “We hope this film festival strengthens cooperation between China and Nepal in the realm of cinema.”

Deputy Chief of Mission Wang Xin from the Chinese Embassy highlighted that China has become one of the largest markets for films in recent years and referred to the filming of Chinese films in Nepal.

 He said, “During the visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister to China last year, an agreement was made to host a Chinese Film Festival in Nepal in 2025. This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal and also Nepal Tourism Year. This China Film Day event, as part of the series of celebrations, provides a platform for collaboration between filmmakers from the two countries.”

A 14-member delegation, led by Xu Yang, director of the International Division of the China Film Administration, attended the event. 

The team included Yue Hong, the lead actress of the renowned film G for Gap and a two-time Golden Rooster Award winner Zheng Zhenyao, Deputy Director of the Marketing Department of the China Film Administration, Owen Yang, head of Tiger Pictures Entertainment among others.

The films screened at the festival are Her Story’ Directed by Yihui Shao, ‘Midsummer's Voice’ by Yudi Zhang and ‘G for Gap’ directed by Fei Long. 

The event was jointly organised by the China Film Administration, the Chinese Embassy, the China Film Archive, and the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy.

Following the film screenings, the producers, directors and artistes of all three films interacted with the audience. 

During the interaction, they emphasised the significance of initiatives like ‘China Film Day’ in bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual understanding between Nepal and China.