On 20 September 2016, the Launching Ceremony of the 1st ASEAN Film Week was held in Xi’an. The Film Week was initiated by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and co-hosted by ACC, Film Bureau of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Shaanxi Provincial Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, and Executive Committee of the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival. H.E. Mme. Gu Xiulian, former Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China and President of China-ASEAN Association attended the event and declared the opening of the ASEAN Film Week.
H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, Ms. Zhu Jingzhi, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress, Mr. Li Guoqi, Deputy Director of Film Bureau of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Mr. Qian Yuangang, Director of Shaanxi Provincial Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Mr. Zhao Min, Vice Mayor of Xi’an, H.E. Mr. Kim Young-sun, Secretary General of ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), representatives of ASEAN Embassies and Consulates General in China, film workers and media representatives attended the Ceremony.
Mr. Li Guoqin, on behalf of Film Bureau of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, said that seeking development, communication and cooperation had become the consensus of the world and were in line with the trend of the times. ACC had made great efforts to promote ASEAN-China relations. The successful launching of the ASEAN Film Festival during the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival attracted active participation of ASEAN film workers. He believed that the Film Week would contribute to the common development and mutually beneficial cooperation of ASEAN and Chinese film industries. Film Bureau would continue to render its support to the hosting of the ASEAN Film Week in Silk Road International Film Festivals in the years ahead.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping thanked the Organizing Committee of the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival for the great support. She said that the Film Week was one of ACC’s activities to mark the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations. ASEAN and China were good friends and good partners. ASEAN-China relations had become the most dynamic and strong relations among dialogue relations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, and made important contributions to the sustainable development and regional peace and prosperity. Strengthening the people-to-people exchanges between the two sides was of great significance to consolidate the social foundation of ASEAN-China relations. Earlier this month, during the ASEAN-China Summit held in Lao PDR, the leaders of both sides reached new consensus which drew a new blueprint for ASEAN-China future cooperation. Film, with its strong appeal and expression, was loved by people around the world and regarded as a bridge of cultural exchange. The ASEAN Film Week was expected to present ASEAN's rich culture to Chinese audience, and provide a new platform for both sides to learn from each other.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai Thong, Minister Counsellor of Viet Nam Embassy in China, on behalf of ASEAN Embassies in China congratulated the hosting of the 1st ASEAN Film Week by ACC. She said that 2016 was the first year since the establishment of ASEAN Community, as well as the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations. Film was widely loved by people. The launching of the Film Week would help showcase the dynamic and diversified ASEAN culture, and raise the awareness of ASEAN Community. This event would build a platform for the exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese film industries, contribute to social and economic development and connectivity, and promote peace, friendship and cooperation of this region.
Mr. Neo Chee Keong, convener of the ASEAN film delegation and film director of Singapore, congratulated the launching of the ASEAN Film Week in the Silk Road International Film Festival. He said that film and television industry prospered in China. ASEAN film workers would like to strengthen mutual learning, information sharing and cooperation with Chinese colleagues, and join hands to expand film market. He hoped the film workers could produce more films reflecting diversified culture and people of different regions, so as to exemplify the spirit of the Silk Road.
After the Ceremony, film institutions of China signed letters of intent with their counterparts of Singapore, Viet Nam and Indonesia.