The Chinese Film Festival that was inaugurated in Chisinau on December 12 will become traditional. Such a proposal was formulated both by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and by representatives of central and local authorities of the Republic of Moldova, who attended the inaugural ceremony. According to them, the festival will contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations between Moldova and China. The presented films will help the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to familiarize themselves with the Chinese state, its culture and history, said the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Moldova Yan Wenbin, who is quoted by IPN.
The ambassador said the initiative to organize the festival was put forward by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Moldova and was welcomed by the Moldovan authorities. ”The Chinese Film Festival is devoted to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Moldova. During these 30 years, the cooperation between the two countries has permanently expanded in different areas of activity and the humanitarian exchanges have become closer. I hope the festival will give a new impetus to the cultural exchange between China and Moldova. The Embassy of China and I personally are ready to make effort together with representatives of different decision makes of Moldova to organize more events that contribute to the cultural exchange and the friendly bilateral relations,” stated Yan Wenbin.
Secretary of state of the Ministry of Culture Ion Budeci said the institution he represents was glad to take part in the staged cultural event. “We hope the first edition will get off on the right foot and we will meet here on the 50th anniversary and on the 100th anniversary too. Through film, we can promote culture. Through diplomatic relations, we can get to know other nations, other cultures and only together we can learn what parallel cultural we have alongside our traditional culture. The Ministry of Culture thanks all those who contributed to this event and we are ready to cooperate. We will have more such important actions in this field,” stated the official.
The president of the Chinese media group Guang Hua Cultures et Media, Zhang Xiaobei, said the Chinese Film Festival was hosted by Germany, Italy, Romania. It played an essential role in strengthening the bilateral relations between the people of China and the citizens of the state in which the festival was held. The successful experience inspired the organizers of the event and they decided to launch it in Moldova too. The hosting of the film festival is also an effective method for fostering the development of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Moldova and China.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Vlad Batrîncea said that the 30 years of diplomatic relations between the people of Moldova and China is an importance accomplishment for the Republic of Moldova. “China has helped Moldova throughout these decades at economic level, in times of pandemic and before the coronavirus pandemic. The fact that in 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the Chinese Film Festival reached Moldova is very emblematic. I’m a great fan of the Chinese culture and I therefore want to reiterate the importance of this event. The Chinese film industry is a leading global industry. We support the initiative to establish the festival as a traditional event in the Republic of Moldova and will take part in it with great pleasure,” stated the MP.
The mayor general of Chisinau Ion Ceban said there is great potential between China and the Republic of Moldova in different areas, such as the cultural and social spheres and primarily the economic sector, and a part of this hasn’t been yet realized. “We are ready to be partners of this festival that is wanted as traditional. We will further develop this thought. Beyond the immeasurable dimensions of cinematography, there can be other areas in which we can nicely develop ideas and promote the culture of the two states. We have a very nice city and region twining practice. We are ready to go to China and to also host cultural events here. We have yet a lot to learn. Today, China is an incontestable world leader from all viewpoints and I think it would be very good to combine these forces with the nation that invented a lot of things globally, without which we will be possibly unable to live. The scientific, educational, cultural, social, economic potential can and should be further realized. You have reliable partners in our persons,” noted the mayor.
Virgiliu Mărgineanu, president of the Union of Filmmakers of the Republic of Moldova, said the presence of any film festivals is important for Moldova, especially of the Chinese Film Festival. The film is a calling card of a country and through the agency of this festival China manages to present here, in Moldova, all the successes, problems, customs, history. Through film we see the traditions, achievements of a country. The next cooperation stage is when co-production relations can be established as a result of film festivals. This way we manage to develop our film industry and also the industry of the countries with which we cooperate,” stated Virgiliu Mărgineanu.
Ten Chinese films will be screened as part of the festival. The event opened with the drama film “Hold Your Hands”, which is a story based on real deeds aimed at eradicating poverty in a village. The festival continues until December 14 inclusive. Entrance is possible on the presentation of invitations.
