Ethiopia to Host First China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival
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Loading... - Tracy Blay
- 19 Dec 2024
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Ethiopia is set to host the inaugural China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival in Addis Ababa from December 20 to 23. This festival aims to promote cooperation among BRICS member states in filmmaking and cultural exchanges, highlighting the growing relationship between Ethiopia and China.
During a media briefing in Addis Ababa, Zhang Yawei, the cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, emphasized that the festival will serve as a platform to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries through their films and television shows. He stated, "The film and television festival will help the two countries promote cultural exchanges and lay a good foundation for future cooperation in the film and television industries." Zhang noted the rich cultural heritages of both nations, which they can share through this event.
Nafisa Al-Mahdi, Ethiopia's State Minister of Culture and Sports, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the festival's potential to strengthen people-to-people cooperation and nurture local filmmaking talent. She remarked, "The festival will help share experience between the Ethiopian and Chinese filmmakers and promote films and TV shows that will be well-suited to the audiences of both countries."
Zewdu Lingerh, a representative of Yegof Entertainment, one of the festival's organizers, shared that the event will celebrate the best films from both China and Ethiopia, bringing together renowned filmmakers, artists, actors, and directors from both nations. He pointed out the similarities among films from BRICS countries, noting their unique storytelling, diversity, originality, and authenticity—qualities that Ethiopian filmmakers should strive to incorporate into their work.
Lingerh emphasized the importance of integrating Ethiopia's film industry with the Chinese film industry to create audience-centered films and television shows. He praised the Chinese cinema industry for its originality and authenticity, suggesting that collaboration could enhance the quality and appeal of Ethiopian productions.
The festival is not only a cultural initiative but also a strategic move to strengthen economic and political partnerships among Ethiopia, China, and other BRICS member states. Lingerh stated that the festival would serve as a tool for promoting cultural exchanges through cinema diplomacy and the arts, thereby scaling up existing collaborations.
BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a group of major emerging markets with significant economic potential. The festival aligns with the broader goals of BRICS to foster cooperation and cultural exchange among its members, enhancing their collective influence on the global stage.
The inaugural China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival represents a significant step in fostering cultural ties between Ethiopia and China while promoting collaboration among BRICS nations. By celebrating the unique storytelling traditions of both countries, the festival aims to create a platform for filmmakers to share experiences, enhance their craft, and produce works that resonate with audiences in both regions. As Ethiopia continues to develop its film industry, this festival could play a crucial role in shaping its future and strengthening international partnerships.
