Cui Jinachun, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, has called for collaboration between Nollywood and Asian film industries to produce works that can engender harmony between both continents.
Jinachun was speaking at the opening of the Fourth Asian Film Festival and movie screening in Abuja on Monday.
He proposed events in China where Nigerian films can be seen by Chinese citizens to educate them about Nigeria.
Jinachun said Nigeria is critical to Africa and Nollywood has taken the lead with the potential of driving the goal.
“I am really happy to share my idea with you all. This year, we proposed a harmony symphony in Nigeria. I think that is how we can find ways to promote harmony and symphony,” the ambassador said.
“So, the fourth Asian film festival is very good. Here, we have nine countries from the Asia continent. I think that it is beyond Asia because I believe that harmony is for every nation.
“You know in Asian countries, we have 47; in the African continent, we have 54 countries. So we can work together to produce films for the harmony of the people, society and the nations.
“I do believe that Nigeria can take the lead because Nollywood is in Nigeria.”
Jinachun further said African countries were especially led by Nigeria in producing more films.
The envoy noted that Nigeria had great potential to produce films in China, lots of opportunities, and how the people could do things together with Asian countries all over the world.
“Because Nigeria particularly leads in producing in the film industry, so I think this kind of factor will give a big push and big momentum to develop Nollywood, especially in Asian countries,” he added.
“I hope that next year, maybe Nigeria can do this in China for people to enjoy the film. I think we should make this happen.”
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the DG of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), lauded the Chinese embassy for “always taking the lead in initiatives and events that would foster harmony and unity” across sectors.
“We will like to be part of [the symphony] from next year. That is, we will be able to find a way to get Nigerian production to join this. It is never too late that we can use the platform to showcase Nigeria,” he said.
