Press Release Launch of Indian Film Festival in China

A one-week Indian Film Festival was inaugurated in Beijing yesterday by Ambassador Ashok K. Kantha and Mr. Zhang Hongsen, Director General, Film Bureau, State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT). The Embassy of India in partnership with SAPPRFT of China is organizing the Film Festival from 21 to 27 August, 2014 as part of the Glimpses of India Festival to mark the India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges. Apart from Beijing, the Film Festival will also travel to five other cities, including Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Xi’an and Hong Kong.

Acclaimed Directors, Mr. Zhang Jianya and Mr. Fan Lixin, have been designated as promotional Ambassadors to the Film Festival. They were felicitated yesterday at the inauguration ceremony in the presence of media personalities, cultural and business leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. To coincide with the Film Festival, the Embassy is also displaying an exhibition on “100 Years of Indian Cinema” at the venue of the Film Festival.

Ambassador Kantha in his remarks emphasized the special role that films have played in strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and China. He expressed the hope that more Indian movies would reach wider audiences in China. The vast potential for collaboration between two of the largest producers of films in the world was also highlighted. Later this year, China will be the Country of Honour during the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

The Film Festival showcases a rich selection of eight popular Indian movies in Hindi and non-Hindi languages. The movies depict stories reflecting contemporary Indian culture and society as well as stories from our historical past for audiences in China. The opening movie screened yesterday was Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The other movies are - Jodha Akbar, Tare Zameen Par, Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Manjadikuru, Oh My God, and Queen.

The Film Festival is taking place in Broadway Cinematheque, China MOMA North Section. Further details and show timings are available on the theatre website http://www.b-cinema.cn .

Beijing 22 nd August 2014