Two Chinese films, Genuine Love and Money on the Road, were recently shown at Reel Cinema at Dubai Mall as part of an effort to introduce Chinese culture and cinema to the UAE.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China (SAPPRFT) and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China were behind the movie screenings.
Tong Gang, Vice Minister of SAPPRFT, Li Lingbing, Consul General of the Consulate-General in Dubai, Gao Huanggang, director of Tian Shan Film Studio, and Eesa M. Bastaki, president of University of Dubai were in attendance.
“Currently the UAE-China’s strategic partnership is entering into a golden era,” said Lingbing. “Events like these are only strengthening bonds between two countries and I am delighted to see these delegates attending a Chinese movie premiere.”
Genuine Love produced by Tian Shan Film Studio is based on the story of Ani Papa, a Uyghur mother who raised 19 of her own children and adopted orphans from six different ethnic groups. Money on the Road is about three Uyghur farmers in a small village who accidentally dig up a box full of old money at a construction site.
“This movie [Genuine Love] which is a true story has left an emotional impact on us today. There are different [kinds] of love a human comes across, but none of which can be compared to love and affection of a mother. I am touched by this experience,” said Bastaki.
“The UAE is a land of multicultural art lovers and people here are open to all kind of cinema and this is the first time Chinese cinema is promoted in the UAE. I hope such movies reach out to the entire Middle East and I believe this is one of the strongest way to introduce different cultures,” he added.
China is the second-largest movie market in the world after North America.
