Boosting China- Nigeria Cultural Relations Through Film
Since the late 1800, when movie making started gaining momentum, films have been used as instrument for cultural exchange. Against this background, China and Nigeria, two leading countries with dynamic movie industry have restate commitment to strengthen cultural exchange using film. OMONU NELSON reports.
The Chinese film industry is projected to become the biggest film market by year 2020, with targeted revenue of 30 billion dollars.
Analysts say with Nigeria’s film industry churning out about 50 movies per week, and making inroads on the global stage, partnership with China will help upstage dependence on oil for foreign earners.
It is also believed that such partnership will help the acceptance of the Nigerian films into Chinese and other Asian film markets. Film, as have been identified by developed world, is a means of transfer of cultures and civilizations, and an opportunity for nations to tell their own stories.
Nigeria and China are both countries with rich and dynamic cultural heritages that can translate movies from both countries into being the most sort after globally. The bilateral relations between Nigeria and China dates back to 50 years ago and was concretised with the signing of Cultural and Educational Agreement in March, 1990. The three decades of cultural co-operation has witnessed several cultural activities and exchanges in the spheres of Arts, Music, Dance, Exhibition, Cultural Administration, Capacity-building, among others.
Adedayo Thomas is the Director General of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). He said, as a government agency that is saddled with the responsibility of censoring films, classifying of movies in Nigeria, efforts will be redoubled at ensuring quality output of Nigerian films that meets international standards.
Speaking recently at the 2019 China Film Festival, the Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of People’s Republic of China and Director of China Cultural Centre, Mr Li Xuda, explained that: “The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, produces about 50 movies per week, second only to India’s Bollywood and more than Hollywood in the United States in terms of volume. Nigerian movies are very popular across Africa, Europe and America, but have yet to gain access to the vast Chinese market.”
China film industry on the hand, Mr Xuda reiterated has been developing very rapidly, with the projection of hitting US$30 billion
by year 2020, thereby making the largest movie market in the world. By that feat, China would have overtaking the United States’ Nollywood.
“China’s film industry has been developing very quickly these years.
By 2020, China’s film industry will see further expansion, with revenue reaching about US$30 billion. By then, China will overtake North America in box office revenue and will become the largest film market in the world, Mr Xuda explained.
He further gave indication that Nollwood is important to China, saying that China market will be opened to Nigerian movies. The ultimate of which is to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.
“I believe Nollywood is very important to China. China film market will be more open to Nollywood. With the aim to promote cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria, strengthen the cooperation in thefilm industry,” Xuda said.
The China-Cooperation is built on China Powered Silk and Road Initiative. Explaining the framework of the Silk and Road Initiative,
Mr Xuda said, since ancient times, the Silk Road has been central to cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Inspired by the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and benefits, the “Belt and Road Initiative promotes Cooperation among different countries in fields including economy, culture and tourism, and fosters friendship across different peoples, as we always say one belt and one road, connecting China and the World.
In a goodwill message at the 2019 Chinese Film Festival the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Grace Gekpe said the festival has further strengthened the cultural cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“I am highly delighted to be part of the celebration of 2019 Chinese Film Festival. My excitement is further heightened in the realisation that the cultural co-operation between Nigeria and China has been increasing in leaps and bounds in recent years.
“The bilateral relations between Nigeria and China dates back to 50 years ago and was concretised with the signing of cultural and educational agreement in March, 1990 The three decades of cultural co-operation has witnessed several cultural activities and exchanges in the spheres of Arts, Music, Dance, Exhibition, Cultural Administration, Capacity-building, among others.
She added” Gekpe praised China for remaining a dependable partner in its Cultural cooperation with Nigeria.
“Let me state unequivocally that China is a committed partner, a dependable ally and a friend in need and indeed. The high level visits of Officials and experts at various times gives credence to these mutually inclusive and productive relations.
“Chinese Films has been a regular feature especially in our commercial cinema houses and is watched and enjoyed by the various strata of Nigerian society.
“I remember with nostalgia, the 1990’s when the Chinese Film Week was an annual programme at the Nigerian National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos.”
She gave kudos to the Nigerian Film industry for its strives at the global arena and for being rated as the second largest film industry in the world.
“To this end, I wish to use this opportunity to advocate for a collaboration to host a joint Film Week of Nigerian and Chinese Filmsin both countries. This will accelerate and help to deepen the understanding of the culture and history of both counties.”
Source: https://leadership.ng/2019/07/02/boosting-china-nigeria-cultural-relations-through-film/