On December 27, the Chinese Film Night kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's largest port city. Jointly hosted by the China Film Administration and the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, and organized by the China Film Archive, the event serves as the concluding chapter of the 2024 China Film Festival's overseas tour.

The opening ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Wang Qimin, the consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, and Ahmed Al Mulla, the director of the Saudi Film Festival. Officials from Thailand and Singapore, along with over 300 representatives from the film, business, and academic sectors of both China and Saudi Arabia, also attended the event and watched the opening film, Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms.

Wang Qimin highlighted the crucial role of cinema in fostering cultural and interpersonal connections by overcoming language barriers. He emphasized the increasing popularity of Chinese films in Saudi Arabia and expressed optimism for  enhanced collaboration and dialogue between filmmakers from both countries.

Professor Ahmed Al Mulla commended the artistic excellence and cultural impact of Chinese cinema. He noted that the Chinese Film Night serves as an important platform for fostering film collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia. With an increasing number of exceptional productions entering each other’s markets in recent years, cinematic exchanges have strengthened cultural ties and emotional connections between the two nations.

Mohammed, a local audience member, expressed his hope for Chinese films to become more accessible in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that Chinese culture is rich, profound, and deserving of study.

The three-day event, held from December 27 to December 29, featured six acclaimed Chinese films for Saudi audiences, including Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, Yolo, Viva La Vida, Lighting Up The Stars, Evacuate from the 21st Century, and Decoded. Alongside the screenings, the event hosted a China-Saudi Film Exchange Forum, corporate signing ceremonies, and Chinese cultural performances, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing the distinct appeal of Chinese cinema.

(Translated by Luo Desai)