Cultural exchange between China and Nigeria got another boost on Thursday when the "Beijing Television Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season in Africa" was declared open in the West African country.
At least 17 Chinese movies and TV dramas of various categories, including urban comedy, love, family and adventure, are to be aired in Nigeria throughout the season.
Yang Peili, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press and Publication, told an audience at the opening ceremony in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, that the Chinese movies and TV dramas will be aired for more than 400 hours.
"The movies and TV dramas are meant to also shorten the distance between China and Africa," Yang said.
StarTimes, a Chinese international pay TV service provider will broadcast the movies and TV dramas throughout the season in partnership with the state-run Nigeria Television Authority.
Yan Xiangdong, cultural counselor of the Embassy of China in Nigeria, said the embassy was committed to bridging the gap between Nigerian and Chinese filmmakers.
According to Yan, dramas and movies are important parts of culture and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Nigeria's Permanent Secretary of Information, Culture and Tourism Ayo Adesugba also suggested that China create a room for Nigerian film productions to be aired across China.
She said this will enable filmmakers of the two countries to have strong collaborations.
Movies and TV dramas to be aired during the season include "Woman From The Family Of Swordsman", "Love's Bodyguard", "Beijing Love Story", "Back In Time" and "Crazy Neighbors."
