Italian Film Audiovisual and Multimedia Industries Association (ANICA) and Xinhuanet launched the "Focus on China" at the 74th Venice International Film Festival in Beijing on Thursday, aiming to build the Belt and Road cultural exchange platform and to further promote the international promotion of Chinese film industry.
H.E. Ettore Sequi, the Ambassador of Italy in China, Roberto Stabile, ANICA International Department Director and Italian Trade Agency Audiovisual Desk Coordinator, and senior officials from Chinese authorities like Film Bureau of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT), Electronic Information Department of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and other representatives from Chinese film and media industries witnessed the ceremony together.
The event "Focus on China" is part of the official program of Venice International Film Festival and of the industry program "Production Bridge".
"The second edition of the 'Focus on China' at the 74th Venice International Film Festival will strengthen the collaboration between ANICA and Xinhuanet. The organization of the event marks a further step forward after the visit of the Italian Ministry of Culture Franceschini last July in Beijing." Roberto said, "Moreover, this is one of the top priorities for cultural cooperation reached by both nations at the Italy-China Cultural Forum co-chaired by ANICA president Rutelli, which was held in Beijing this February during the Italian President's visit to China."
Under the guidance of Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism, and with support from several institutional organizations from both nations, this year's event will consist in several parts; among them: "Young Filmmakers Training Program", "China Europe Virtual Reality Technology Forum", "Sino-Foreign most beautiful shooting location" and "Sino-Foreign cooperation project roadshow".
According to the organizers, these events share the common focus "China", while every part has its own feature, including film talents, latest technology, shooting resources and concrete projects. Hopefully this event will enhance the international communication of Chinese culture, and strengthen the cultural exchange between China and Italy, even China and Europe - especially, utilizing film culture as a bond to encourage the friendly exchange and cooperation among Chinese and foreign people.
Venice is an important hub of ancient maritime silk road. In the context of promoting and strengthening the Belt and Road cultural exchanges, "Focus on China" will facilitate disseminating China's voice and telling Chinese stories in aid of the great cultural event Venice International Film Festival which captures worldwide attention.
Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the first international film festival around the world, which witnesses the process of Chinese films reaching out to the world. The 74th Venice International Film Festival this year is scheduled to be held from 30 August to 9 September.
