Jackie Chan with Mr. Zhang Hongsen (left) and Mr. Han Sanping (right)

Jackie Chan with Mr. Zhang Hongsen (left) and Mr. Han Sanping (right)

The Audi 1 of the Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi was packed with Jackie Chan’s fans as he was in the city to mark the opening of first ever Chinese film festival in India on Tuesday. The 6 day film festival (18th June – 23rd June 2013) will showcase a wide variety of Chinese cinematic work, having opened with the screening of Jackie Chan directed ‘Chinese Zodiac 12’.

Jackie Chan, one of the Asia’s most multi-faceted and popular actor, director and producer stated, “It is through the films, China and India can collaborate in their cultures for a bigger market and biggest film industry in the world.” Around 10 Years ago, the actor shot his film ‘The Myth’ in India with the Indian actress Mallika Sherwat, which went on to huge success in China and in the world.

The Chinese Film Festival 2013 is a joint initiative of ICEC (India China Economic and Cultural Council), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India and The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, People’s Republic of China and Chinese Embassy in India.

Joining the Chan were the Chinese delegation that included Mr. Cai Fuchao, Hon’ble Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Televisions, Govt. of China, Mr. Zhang Hongsen, The Director General of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Televisions, Govt. of China, Mr. Han Sanping, Chinese film producer and distributor who is also the chairman of China Film Group Corporation, which has been hailed as one of the largest distributors and exporters of Chinese films.

All the delegates were felicitated by Mr. Manish Tiwari, Hon’ble Minsiter of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India.

Jackie Chan felicitated by Mr. Manish Tiwari

Jackie Chan felicitated by Mr. Manish Tiwari

“We are happy to be a part of such a unique initiative. Films are a great way to communicate and connect. Through this festival, we are making an attempt to not only connect with the Indian audiences though our work but also understand our Indian tastes and culture,” commented Mr. Han Sanping, who also showed interest in exploring the possibility to co-operate with Indian filmmakers at the discussion held on Tuesday afternoon at the FICCI.

Agreeing to the statement, Mr. Zhang Hongsen highlighted that like India, China too is an emerging country with a huge film production, which witnessed over 700 feature films last year, “China boasts of 15, 000 film screens while India has 12,000 film screens. I believe if we make more co-productions, we can together give a huge contribution to the world cinema as a whole.”

‘Dr. Kotnis ki Amarakahani’ by V Shantaram was the first Indian film which touched the chords of both Indian and Chinese hearts, the fact which was pointed by Mr. Manish Tiwari, the Hon’ble Minister of I & B. “While Indian classics such as ‘Do Bigha Zamin’, ‘Awaara’, and ‘Caravan’ struck an emotional note in the hearts of Chinese people, ‘3 Idiots’ was dubbed in the Chinese language and became popular among students. The time seems to be right for intensive sharing of films as a portal medium of exchange. Presently, lesser number of films are being released in China but considering the popularity of Indian films in China, there could be more exposure to Indian cinema in the country and then we can reciprocate to Chinese films’ release in India,” Mr. Tiwari stated.

Before the opening film ‘Chinese Zodiac 12’ was screened, Jackie Chan entertained the audience with his voice singing a song that means ‘Country is my country and home is my home. I love my country and I love my home’.

[box_light]                            Movies to be screened (Audi 2 / Siri Fort Complex, New Delhi)

                                             4 PM                                                              7 PM

19th June 2013 –       Caught in the Web                                               Cableway Doctor

                                  (Dir: Chen Kaige / 121 Mins)                             (Dir: Xianhe Lei / 93 Mins)

20th June 2013 –       Lost In Thailand                                                     Falling Flowers

                                  (Dir: Xu Zheng / 105 Mins)                                (Dir: Jianqi Huo / 121 Mins)

21st June 2013 –       The Grand Masters                                                  A Simple Life

                                  (Dir: Wong Kar-Wai/ 130 Mins)                         (Dir: Ann Hui/ 118 Mins)

22nd June 2013 –      One Flew Over Raisin Ranch                                 Ocean Heaven

                                  (Dir: Yang Zhang/ 97 Mins)                                 (Dir: Xue Xiaolu/ 96 Mins)

23rd June 2013 –       Back to 1942 (Dir: Feng Xiaogang/ 146 Mins)

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