African Filmmakers Shine at China-Africa Film Week in Changsha
African and Chinese filmmakers came together in a celebration of cinema at the China-Africa Film Week held in Changsha and Xiangtan, Hunan Province, from June 12 to 16. Coinciding with the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the event showcased 24 films from both continents, screened across six cinemas in Changsha, fostering a cultural bridge between the regions.
Under the theme “Bridging Continents, Connected by Light and Emotion,” the film week featured an opening ceremony, film screenings, a development forum, a film music concert, and interactive Q&A sessions with filmmakers. The event aimed to enhance cultural exchange and cooperation through the universal language of film.
The film week kicked off with the screening of “Yesterday,” a 2004 South African production nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Academy Awards. The film tells the poignant story of Yesterday, a mother living with HIV in a remote village. Director Darrell Roodt attended the event, reflecting on the film’s enduring relevance.
“I think the themes are still very relevant because the HIV/AIDS pandemic has not gone away; it’s hidden,” Roodt shared. “The film is about the human spirit and triumphing against all odds. That’s what makes it timeless and universal.”
Another highlight was “Sew the Winter to My Skin,” directed by South African filmmaker Jahmil X. T. Qubeka. Set during the early days of apartheid in the 1950s, it tells the tale of John Kepe, an “outlaw” who stole livestock to help the needy, earning the title of a modern-day Robin Hood.
“Cinema is the single most visceral instrument of understanding each other across cultural and racial divides,” Qubeka said. “It’s my dream that we can foster fundamental cooperation going forward, where more African films reach Chinese audiences, and vice versa.”
Qubeka also recounted his experience collaborating with Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke on a BRICS anthology film. “We were saying as a collective of filmmakers that this is key for the sake of understanding. Film builds empathy. This is going to work by bridging human gaps and connecting with humans on the other side,” he added.
Beninese actress Alazi Soumaila Rawdoth, known by her Chinese name Mulan, was also in attendance. Having starred in Chinese productions like the CCTV1 drama series “Happiness Juncao” and the film “Formed Police Unit,” included in the “Featuring China” section, she is a rising star bridging cultures through her work.
“I’ve been in Benin for six months. I went back because I want African and Chinese filmmakers to collaborate and make wonderful movies and TV shows,” Rawdoth expressed. “Benin has interesting things to show the world and China. Benin is a bridge to West African cultures.”
She is currently working on a comedy film involving Chinese filmmakers. “A comedy is a kind of film that all of us, whether you are Chinese or African, can find funny and interesting. Watching comedy films helped me learn more about Chinese culture. It’s because of these films that I came to China and learned Chinese,” she said.
The screenings were divided into thematic sections such as “Reframing Africa: The Awakening of Indigenous Narratives,” “Crossing Cultures: Cinematic Journeys Through Shared Stories,” “Featuring China: Eastern Wisdom in a Global Context,” and “Spotlighting South Africa: Cultural Visions of the Rainbow Nation.”
The China-Africa Film Week not only highlighted the rich tapestry of stories from both continents but also underscored the power of cinema in uniting diverse cultures. As filmmakers and audiences shared in these narratives, the event paved the way for deeper understanding and future collaborations.
