On the evening of October 14, 2024, the “Chinese Film Festival” kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This year’s festival features a selection of 12 classic and recent Chinese films under the theme “Racing through Five Decades, Sharing Brilliant Vibrance,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

Could you tell us more about the festival’s different segments?

The festival is divided into three major sections. The “Time Imprints” segment includes classic films like “The Cave of the Silken Web,” “Sister Liu,” and “Red Sorghum,” taking audiences on a journey through the history of Chinese cinema. The “Animation Dreams” segment showcases titles such as “Chang’an 30,000 Miles” and “New Gods: Yang Jian,” highlighting the rise of Chinese animation on the international stage. Finally, the “Drama Corridor” segment features contemporary films like “The Eight-Diagram Cage,” “The Chinese Ping Pong: The Heroic Counterattack,” and “Speeding Life 2,” which convey powerful narratives about Chinese society and culture.

What was the atmosphere like during the opening ceremony?

The festival’s opening ceremony featured “Speeding Life 2” as the inaugural film, which received a warm and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Can you share any insights from notable attendees?

The Deputy Minister of Communications, Zahidah Nian, attended the opening and expressed that Malaysia and China’s long-standing film collaboration has created a valuable exchange platform for the film industries of both nations. Zheng Xuefang, Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, noted that the festival serves as an important platform to showcase the achievements of Chinese cinema and the results of bilateral cooperation, solidifying the cultural foundations of the friendship between the two countries.

What is the significance of this year’s festival for China-Malaysia film cooperation?

Lin Siwei, Deputy Director of the China Film Archive and one of the festival’s organizers, highlighted that the film cooperation between China and Malaysia has deep historical roots. In recent years, the “Belt and Road” initiative has further strengthened this collaboration. By presenting both classic and new films, the festival aims to enhance cultural exchanges and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the film industry.

Who are the main organizers and supporters of the festival?

The festival is jointly organized by the China Film Archive, the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuala Lumpur, and the Malaysian Chinese Film Association, with support from the Malaysian Ministry of Communications, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, the China National Film Administration, and the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation. The opening ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including Saeeduddin, CEO of the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation, Li Hua from the Chinese Cultural Center, and Zheng Xiongceng, President of the Malaysian Chinese Film Association.