''China Film Festival 2009'' opened in The Hague

In the next two weeks, moviegoers in the Netherlands, will have a chance to watch films, produced in China. China Film Festival 2009, opened Tuesday in the Hague. Our reporter Wang Ling has more.

Reporter:
Featuring seven of the latest vintage films, the ''China Film Festival 2009'' will tour in cities of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft, among others. The selection includes last year's Forever Enthralled, the biopic of the renowned Peking opera artist Mei Lanfang; 2007's epic war film and box office topper, The Assembly, and China's first full length documentary film about Tibet- "Potala Palace".

Zhao Shi, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, expects these films will help people in Netherlands better understand China.

"Films are carriers of cultures and serve to boost friendship between different countries. We hope people in Netherlands will learn more about China and its development from these movies; and we expect this film festival will help improve ties between the two countries."

Dutch Minister for Education and Culture, Ronald Plasterk, says in his country there is an increasing interest in knowing more about China. He believes more promotions of Chinese culture will undoubtedly help the rest of the world see a clear picture of the country.

"China for our country is a very important partner. We marveled at the progress Chinese society has made over the past decade. We marveled at the speed and volume performed in infrastructure and urban development. 30 years ago Chinese art and culture were interesting for people interested in China. Nowadays Chinese culture and art are interesting for people interested in humanity and mankind. It is not only to know China but to know ourselves. Maybe sometimes it is better to look at yourself through eyes of somebody who has developed different idom."

Mayor of The Hague, Jozias van Aartsen, has been of great support to the activities organized by local Chinese communities, either on occasion of donating for the earthquake victims in Sichuan or in support of Beijing Olympics.

"Culture is lifestyle of society and cultural exchanges are matters to know each other better. So the 7 films in this festival are venue for a better understanding of both Chinese and Dutch societies. And I hope the first film festival in The Hague will become start of a tradition of our city."

The opening film for the festival is Forever Enthralled, which explores the emotional and spiritual world of the great master of Peking Opera, Mei Lanfang. Film director Chen Kaige.

"The growth of China's movie industry is closely related with the country's development. We are happy to see the achievement Chinese filmmakers have made; but at the same time, I believe we have a long way to go to shape a powerful industry. We will continue to introduce good films which reflect the cultural treasure of China. "

Since 2005, the Dutch government has made China one of its important partners for cultural exchange. A year later, Netherlands China Arts Foundation was established to further promote the cultural ties between the two countries.

Wang Ling CRI news.