On November 6, 2024, the China Film Festival opened in Lima, the capital of Peru. The event was organized by the China Film Administration, and co-organized by the China Film Archive and the Beijing International Film Festival.
Distinguished guests such as Mao Yu, Executive Deputy Director of the China Film Administration; Sun Xianghui, Director of the China Film Archive; Vanessa Vizcarra, Chair of the Lima Film Festival; and Carlos Alberto Chavez Rodriguez, Director of the Film Archive of Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, presided over the opening ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Mao Yu expressed enthusiasm for hosting the China Film Festival and for the opportunity to connect and exchange with Peru’s film industry on the eve of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. He highlighted Peru’s rich history and multicultural heritage, which bring unique perspectives and profound storytelling to the global cinema, adding that its vibrant arts scene has produced many talented filmmakers. Mao emphasized China’s commitment to an open and inclusive film market that benefits filmmakers from around the world. He encouraged both industries to cooperate more closely and introduce films from each other's countries, inviting more Peruvian films to be screened in China.
Vanessa Vizcarra noted in her speech that this is the first time the China Film Festival has been held in Lima. She said that the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and the Lima Film Festival are honored to be partners and advocates of this event, aiming to strengthen cultural ties between China and Peru through cinema, and to create more opportunities for co-productions, technical exchanges, and the distribution of cinematic works between the two countries.
Carlos Alberto Chavez Rodriguez highlighted that since 2020, the festival has been running for four consecutive years through online platforms, supported by local organizations and five Confucius Institutes across the region. He expressed great joy on behalf of the Film Archive of Pontifical Catholic University of Peru at participating in this year’s China Film Festival, now held face-to-face for the first time in Peru .
Nearly 200 guests and audience members were present for the opening film Endless Journey. Following the screening, director Dai Mo, lead actor Zhang Yi, China Film Archive researcher Li Zhen, and Peruvian film critic Juan Carlos Ugarelli held a 40-minute discussion with the audience.
Discussion with the audience
The exchange was lively, with Dai Mo sharing insights into the challenges and techniques of adapting literary works to film, and Li Zhen examining the significance of the movie for the Chinese film history. Zhang Yi thanked the audience for their appreciation in a cinema almost 20,000 kilometers away from China. “Human progress is driven by stories, and to date, cinema remains the finest form to share them. We hope to share compelling Chinese stories with the people of Peru and use stories to build friendships and future cooperation.”
In addition, several audience members asked questions about filmmaking such as location scouting, filming, and acting. One enthusiastic female audience member shared that she found Chinese films profound and moving, and hoped for future collaboration between Peru and China in filmmaking to bring even more exciting viewing experiences to Peruvian audiences. During the visit, the Chinese delegation also toured the Film Archive of Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and exchanged views with industry professionals.
Delegates visit the Film Archive of Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
The festival was held in Lima, Peru, from November 6 to 16, and audiences had the chance to view nine Chinese films: Endless Journey, Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, One and Only, Love Never Ends, Pegasus 2, Yolo, Ping Pong:The Triumph, Successor, and Ride On.
（Translated by Luo Desai）