China using cinema to deepen ties with Nigeria — Envoy
China has said cinema is emerging as a powerful platform for strengthening bilateral ties, describing film and artistic collaboration as a growing bridge of diplomacy with Nigeria. The China Cultural Centre Counsellor, Yang Jianxing, disclosed this while speaking at the Chinese Embassy’s masterclass and special screening of the acclaimed documentary, ‘Rooting’ at the Zuma International […]
China has said cinema is emerging as a powerful platform for strengthening bilateral ties, describing film and artistic collaboration as a growing bridge of diplomacy with Nigeria.
The China Cultural Centre Counsellor, Yang Jianxing, disclosed this while speaking at the Chinese Embassy’s masterclass and special screening of the acclaimed documentary, ‘Rooting’ at the Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.
Jianxing said the series of events is not only a cinematic feast, but also a dialogue between civilisations and a testament to friendship.
He described the featured documentary, filmed over four years in Yunnan Province, as “a condensed visual chronicle of China’s poverty alleviation efforts.”
He said the film follows a rural villager who escapes poverty with the help of targeted government policies and has earned multiple awards at international film festivals.
Jianxing said the film’s message mirrors the hopes of many Nigerians, adding that, “The film’s theme resonates deeply with the Nigerian people’s aspirations for national development and a better life, and we believe the authentic footage and heartfelt language will strongly resonate with audiences.”
Highlighting the cultural dynamism of both nations, he observed that “China and Nigeria are world-renowned film-producing countries,” adding that Nollywood’s output of 2,500 films annually makes it the world’s second-largest film industry.
He described the Zuma Film Festival as “an important window for exchange and mutual learning between different civilisations.”
Jianxing also spotlighted China’s own cinematic growth.
“In 2024, the number of screens in China exceeded 90,000, and the total box office reached 6 billion US dollars,” he said, noting the country’s evolution from black-and-white productions to a global film powerhouse.
Linking the event to broader policy, he explained that the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasised deeper global cultural exchanges.
He reminded the audience that 2026 is designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, adding: “We look forward to deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and Nigeria in the film field, playing a bridging role in enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.”