'Pegasus 2' serves as the opening film of the 2024 China Film Festival. Photo: Handout
In celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, the China Film Festival is held from now until Oct 20 at Dadi Cinema in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
This one-week event is co-hosted by the China Film Administration, China Film Archive, China Cultural Centre in KL (CCCKL) and the Chinese Film Association of Malaysia (CFAM).
It’s also supported by the Communications Ministry, the Chinese embassy in Malaysia and the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).
The China Film Festival opened at Dadi Cinema in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on Oct 14. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the China Film Festival serves as a testimony to the enduring friendship and cultural ties between China and Malaysia.
“This festival is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the film industry in Malaysia and China.
“It provides a platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas, learn from each other and identify opportunities for future collaborations,” she said at the event’s launch on Oct 14.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching delivers her opening speech at the event's launch on Oct 14 .— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Chinese Embassy charge d’affaires, His Exellency Zheng Xuefang, added that films are a powerful tool in building mutual understanding between different cultures.
He said the cooperation between the Chinese and Malaysian film industry has deepened the dialogue and mutual learning between civilians of both nations.
“China and Malaysia will continue to seek prosperity and promote the cultural exchanges between the two countries to a higher level.
“Together, we will make the coming five decades another glorious chapter in China-Malaysia relations development,” he said.
Chinese Embassy charge d’affaires His Exellency Zheng Xuefang believes films are a powerful tool in bridging cultures. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of 12 movies – including four restored classics, six contemporary flicks and two animated films.
Kicking off the event is the sports comedy Pegasus 2, which raked in over US$466.9mil (RM2bil) at the global box office, making it the ninth highest-grossing film of the year.
A sequel to the 2019 movie Pegasus, this movie follows the journey of driving instructor Zhang Chi and rookie driver Li Xiaohai as they set out to compete in a major car racing tournament.
Other titles to look out for include Ordinary Hero, New Gods: Yang Jian, Never Say Never and more.
Tickets are priced at RM10 and are available at https://www.dadi.my/ and Dadi Cinema App.
A complete listing of film synopsis, showtimes and additional information can also be found on the aforementioned platforms.
Each movie will only be screened once, so you don’t want to miss it.
Those who watch eight movies in total are entitled to a redemption of an exclusive gift.
Terms and conditions for gift redemption:
> Get one stamp for every featured movie watched during the China Film Festival.
> A collection of eight stamps will be entitled for a redemption of an exclusive gift.
> Redemption is on a first-come-first-serve basis, while stocks last.
> Festival pass holders are not entitled to this redemption.
> The organiser reserves the right to modify, change these terms and conditions, as well as terminate the event at any time without prior notice.
Interesting movies to look out for:
Third Sister Liu: Recognised as China’s first musical film, this 1960 flick follows Liu San Jie, a Zhuang minority folk singer in Guangxi, as she moves to other places to inspire others with her songs.
Chang An: In this animated film, an army general reflects on his longtime friendship with a renowned Tang dynasty poet. It’s set a few years after the deadly An Lushan rebellion in China.
Kong And Jigme: Based on a true story, this film explores the friendship between two men from different backgrounds, highlighting their cultural clashes and how they unite to overcome it.
Ping Pong: The Triumph: Set in the early 1990s, when the Chinese men’s table tennis team is at a low end, head coach Cai Zhenhua is tasked with forming a new team to compete in the 1995 World Ping Championship in Tianjin, China.
Ordinary Hero: This film tells the true stories of various people from all walks of life in Xinjiang, who travelled 1,400km to rescue a seven-year-old boy, whose arm was severed in a freak accident.
