China and Russia are strengthening their long-standing friendship through vibrant cultural exchanges, celebrating 80 years since their shared victory in World War II. The collaboration includes film festivals, co-produced movies, and initiatives aimed at deepening mutual understanding between the two nations.
In a recent cultural exchange event hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), the grandson of Soviet cameraman Roman Lazarevich Karmen shared stories of his family’s historic ties to China. Back in 1938, Karmen documented the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, capturing powerful images of courage and determination.
The event featured the creative team behind “Red Silk”, a China-Russia co-produced film that premiered in Russia earlier this year and is set to hit Chinese theaters in September. The festival also marked the official launch of the 2025 China Film Festival in Russia.
Additionally, CMG and VGTRK announced a peace-themed initiative to collect historical relics, documentary images, and memorabilia from citizens of both countries. This project aims to portray a shared vision of peace and a common future.
Filming has also begun on a new documentary titled “The Great Victory – China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Through the Lens of a Soviet Photographer”. The film explores the experiences of Soviet photojournalist Roman Kalman in China during the war.
Leaders from both media organizations, including Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, and Oleg Dobrodeev, CEO of VGTRK, highlighted the successes of their past collaborations. They expressed a shared commitment to strengthening ties in content exchange, technological innovation, and personnel development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the event. President Xi emphasized the significance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding and consolidating the social foundation for bilateral ties.
Designated as the China-Russia Years of Culture, 2024 and 2025 are set to feature a series of cultural initiatives agreed upon by President Xi and President Putin. Both countries are actively engaging in these vibrant celebrations to further deepen their friendship.
These cultural exchanges not only honor the shared history between China and Russia but also inject new energy into their evolving relationship, fostering goodwill and mutual respect among their people.
