Jeddah, December 29, 2024 – In a significant step towards enhancing cultural exchange, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with the China National Film Administration, launched the “Chinese Film Nights” in Jeddah today. This event, held at the Vox Cinema Red Sea, kicked off with the screening of the first part of the film Disorders in Chaoma, followed by the screening of Al-Khansa. The event, which will span three nights, will feature two films per evening, offering audiences in Jeddah a unique opportunity to explore Chinese cinema.
The launch ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Wang Qimin, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Ahmed Al-Mulla, Director of the Saudi Film Festival, Dr. Muhannad bin Ghazi Abed, Director of the Institute of Chinese Science and Culture at King Abdulaziz University, and representatives from the teams behind the screenings at the Vox Cinema. Their presence underscored the significance of the event, which serves not only as a cinematic experience but also as a platform for fostering cultural understanding and collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia.
The “Chinese Film Nights” is part of an ongoing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China, aiming to promote shared cultural values and explore new dimensions of storytelling. Over the course of three days, six Chinese films will be showcased, reflecting the rich diversity and creativity of China’s film industry. The event provides a window into Chinese cinema, offering Saudi audiences a chance to experience the cinematic traditions, themes, and storytelling techniques that have shaped one of the world's largest film industries.
This event also follows the successful conclusion of the “Saudi Film Nights,” which was held from December 21 to 26 in China. During that period, cinemas in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou hosted a range of Saudi films, both long and short, as part of the Saudi Film Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote Saudi cinema on the international stage. The “Saudi Film Nights” highlighted the Kingdom’s growing film industry, showcasing its potential to contribute to global cinematic discourse while facilitating cultural dialogue between the two nations.
The ongoing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China through film represents a significant milestone in the broader context of the Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance cultural and creative industries in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the growth of its film sector, initiatives like the “Chinese Film Nights” and the “Saudi Film Nights” play an essential role in nurturing international collaboration, broadening the cultural horizons of both countries, and providing invaluable experiences for audiences.
This exchange is a testament to the strength of cultural diplomacy and serves as a bridge to strengthen the bonds between two nations with rich, diverse cultural heritages. By bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from both sides, events like these are helping to create a more interconnected global cultural landscape, fostering understanding and appreciation of each other’s artistic expressions.
