A man takes a look at the poster of Chinese movie "Xuan Zang" in Nay Pyi Taw of Myanmar on Oct. 1, 2017. Chinese Film Festival 2017 kicked off at the Aungthabyay Cinema in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday, with two Chinese movies -- "Xuan Zang" and "Kung Fu Yoga" depicting the religion and culture of China. (Xinhua/U Aung)
NAY PYI TAW, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Film Festival 2017 kicked off at the Aungthabyay Cinema in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday, with two Chinese movies -- "Xuan Zang" and "Kung Fu Yoga" depicting the religion and culture of China.
The week-long event, sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, will last until next Sunday simultaneously in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon.
The film festival was inaugurated by Myanmar Minister of Information Pe Myint, Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang and 2013 Miss Universe Moe Set Y.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pe Myint expressed belief that the film festival would help promote organization-to-organization relations apart from people-to-people relations based on the long-lived "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, mutual understanding and respect between Myanmar and China.
"We can enjoy the beautiful natural sceneries, life style, tradition, together with the elegance of the artistes in their performances and skillfulness of the technicians in their terrific creation," he said.
"Such film festivals also serve as the facilitator for the progress of the film industries, economic relations and friendship of the two neighbors sharing a long common border. Apart from these benefits, the festival also gives wonderful experience to the audiences," he said.
Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang underlined the historical significance for the festival to take place on Oct. 1, China's National Day, in the Myanmar capital, saying it not only helps pass on the traditional friendship between China and Myanmar but also aspire prospects of better bilateral relations in the future.
He hoped the event would further enhance cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries in the sectors of movie and TV.
In August this year, China's Guangxi Broadcasting Service (GXBS) and Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) began joint broadcasting of Chinese TV series in Myanmar under a contract between the two sides.
The episodes of Chinese TV series "Hello, Chung" or "Mingalaba Chung" , once very popular with the Chinese audiences, were aired by the MRTV with Myanmar voice dubbing.
The series, which depicts the stories of common people overcoming life difficulties with strength and determination, also received popularity with Myanmar audiences.
Standing Member of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and Minister of Information Fan Xiaoli underlined the move as a historical landmark in media cooperation between the two countries, saying that the successful airing of the program has built up a friendship bridge between the two countries and created opportunities to let Myanmar people know about China.
"The long and enduring China-Myanmar friendship has now come to a new stage with the two sides working in cooperation extensively in multi-sectors, especially in the media sector," Pe Myint said.
