A Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Center, Yang Jianxing, has described the Asian Film Festival as a historic platform designed to strengthen ties between Asian and African civilizations.
Jianxing made the remark during the opening of the 7th Asian Film Festival 2025 held on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said; “Culture is our nourishment, and film is a vital part of that culture a medium through which we can understand the way of life of people from other countries.”
“I can say that we are the same, but a little different lifestyles, due to the way we express ourselves by ensuring that we know ourselves in our society and today’s world,” he said.
Jianxing said this event will create a good opportunity for great and friendly Nigerian people for Asian countries to know the type kind of cultures the Asian countries have.
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“First of all, I have to express my gratitude to all ambassadors, esteemed embassies and countries. This year is the seventh edition of the Asian Film Festival and every year your embassy is very passionate about gathering Asian countries to show Asian beauty.
“We want to say thank you to Korea embassy and KCCN for the great work they are doing in the background as well as their short movie.”
“The Chinese embassy and the China Culture Center are going to showcase a very humorous film just like you watched .
“The film is a very good symbol for the culture exchange, because the director and the actors are from China, but we used some Korean ideas,” Jianxing explained.
He noted that Chinese society and the other Asian country societies and everyone present could through the event feel the beauty of their friendship.
Mr Kozaki Hitoshi, Charge D’ Affaires, Embassy of Japan, said that Asians produced a wide range of its cinematic works, rooted in its long history and culture.
“Asian Film Festival is held here in Nigeria where the film industry is highly developed and knowledge has gained attention on the global stage.
“It provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to experience cinematic cultures, cultures of Asia that deepen future understanding.
”I hope as many resilient friends as possible should become more familiar with Asian films and develop a deeper interest in Asia’s diverse cultures through this film festival,” he said.
Mr. Jeon Juho, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), described the festival as a platform that promotes deeper understanding through cross-cultural experiences presented in Asian cinema.
He recalled that the first Asian Film Festival was held on July 3, 2017, noting that participants have sustained the event over the years because of their shared appreciation for culture and common values.
According to him, this cultural connection is reflected not only in Asian societies but also in their films.
Speaking further, Juho said, “This year, Korea’s entry, ‘The Way Home,’ is a gentle and heartfelt film that beautifully portrays rural culture and universal family bonds. It has earned both domestic and international acclaim.”
He said that all the films featured this year tell powerful, character-driven stories about family, connection, and personal growth, each presented through the unique cultural lens of their respective countries.
He said; “Whether set in bustling cities or quiet villages, these stories offer more than entertainment.
“They open windows into people’s lives, struggles, dreams, and hopes reminding us that, ultimately, we all share similar aspirations.”
Juho also commended Yang Jianxing for voluntarily offering the Chinese Cultural Center as the venue for the 2025 Asian Film Festival.
In his remarks, Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raga, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, said the festival celebrates not only cinema but also cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship among nations.
He praised the participating countries China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Turkey for their meaningful contributions, noting that their involvement has made the festival a truly international cultural event.
Raga explained that the festival, originally established through an initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, represents a successful collaborative effort among Asian nations.
He emphasized that culture and art are universal languages, with cinema holding a special place among them.
Raga said; “Film has a unique power to tell stories that transcend borders, languages, and politics….Through cinema, we see the world through others’ eyes and understand how interconnected we are as human beings. Films reflect societies, express human emotions, and build bridges of understanding.”
He added that in a world that increasingly needs dialogue, empathy, and peace, cultural events like this festival help break down barriers, strengthen mutual respect, and bring cultures closer.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers, partners, sponsors, filmmakers, and the audience, hoping the festival inspires new perspectives, deeper friendships, and sustainable cultural cooperation.
NAN/Oluchi