Delegates of the inaugural ASEAN-China Film Festival were given a red carpet welcome at Limkokwing University on 4 December 2017.
The festival, which was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), was the first of its kind in Malaysia. Taking part in the competition were 11 films from China as well as 10 other ASEAN countries.
The festival screened 31 films overall; eight from China and 23 from other ASEAN countries. A running theme at the festival was establishing a long-term cultural exchange and cooperation platform for the ASEAN film industry, as a part of the China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative.
Limkokwing University’s representatives welcomed the delegates and showcased the importance of multiculturalism and global networking in the film industry.
“We hope we can use this platform to explore new areas of cooperation in the film industry,” said Sun Jianhua, Deputy Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division for the ASEAN-China Centre.
According to him, this will enable filmmakers and industry participants to share their experience and knowledge while networking with other aspiring talents.
“Education is turning new ways and that is important for us to be connected with the youth,” he added.
For Singaporean producer, Lai Yok Wai, the event was a good platform to bridge communication with China.
“We know China will be the largest film market in the world,” he said. “So it is important that ASEAN collaborate with China.”
He also added that Limkokwing University’s programmes enabled students to cultivate understanding of different cultures through films.
“As a filmmaker and producer, I feel that multiculturalism is very important in film,” he added.