Abuja Hosts Sixth Asian Film Festival, Celebrates Unity, Cross-Cultural Understanding

Abuja, Nigeria – The Sixth Asian Film Festival opened in Abuja this week, celebrating the unity of several Asian nations and fostering stronger ties with Nigeria.

The festival showcases films from South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore, the Philippines, and Nigeria itself, highlighting the power of cinema to bridge cultural divides and stimulate economic growth.

The Federal Government of Nigeria praised the event, emphasizing its role in strengthening cultural diplomacy and artistic collaboration.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mr. Raphael Oraeluno, spoke at the opening ceremony held at the China Cultural Center.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation in the creative industries, stating that such collaborations enhance the sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas, leading to job creation and economic growth.

Oraeluno also advocated for policies that further bolster cultural exchanges and partnerships with Asian countries.

He highlighted the festival’s ability to provide emerging artists and filmmakers with valuable exposure, fostering global empathy through the sharing of diverse narratives.

Each film, he noted, serves as a dialogue prompting reflection and cross-cultural understanding.

The festival, he concluded, underscores cinema’s role in transcending geographical boundaries and celebrating shared human experiences.

Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, emphasised the event’s significance in strengthening ties between Asia and Nigeria, noting this was the third time the centre hosted the opening ceremony.

He described the festival as a bridge between Asia and Nigeria, facilitating mutual understanding through the sharing of unique traditions, values, and creativity.

The screening of the Chinese film Monster Hunt, a blend of fantasy, humour, and cultural themes, served as a centrepiece of the festival.

The director of the Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), MMrKim Changki, expressed South Korea’s enthusiasm for participating, seeing the platform as an opportunity to showcase its culture and rich cultural values to Nigeria.

He reiterated Korea’s willingness to partner with Nigeria in culture and tourism, emphasising that understanding different cultures fosters bonding and friendship.

The festival promises a rich program of films and cultural exchanges, aiming to build a community with a shared future through teamwork and mutual learning.