Chinese Film Festival in Botswana celebrates ties and shared history

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, August 29th, 2025

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rki.news | Gaborone, 29 August 2025
Sources Xinhua
Botswana’s capital hosted the opening of the Chinese Film Festival on Thursday, marking two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of China–Botswana diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The three-day festival at New Capitol Cinemas Riverwalk is co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana and the China Film Administration. Audiences will enjoy a diverse program of eight films ranging from culture and art to animation and science fiction. The festival began with the science fiction blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2.
A thematic session on Friday is dedicated to remembering history and promoting peace, featuring The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a film portraying Chinese fishermen who rescued British prisoners of war during World War II.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Fan Yong emphasized the role of film as a bridge between nations. “This festival is the first of its kind in Botswana. It not only presents outstanding Chinese cinema but also fosters mutual understanding and emotional connection,” he said. On the anniversary of the anti-fascist victory, he added that the triumph remains “a symbol of peace, unity, and courage.”
Prominent guests included Deputy Speaker of Botswana’s National Assembly Helen P. Manyeneng and Kgosi Malope II, chairman of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs). The event attracted nearly 200 participants, including senior officials, academics, diplomats, and members of the Chinese community in Botswana.
Organizers expressed hope the festival would deepen cultural ties while commemorating shared struggles for peace and justice.