State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China (SAPPRFT) and Consulate-General of China in Dubai, UAE organizes two movie screenings at Reel Cinema- Dubai Mall

Dubai, UAE – March 29, 2017

In its efforts to introduce Chinese culture and cinema to the U.A.E., State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China (SAPPRFT) and Consulate-General of China in Dubai has held a movie screening in Reel Cinema at Dubai Mall for two of its epic movies “Genuine Love” and “Money on the road”. Both the movies were made by the production house Tian Shan Film Studio in Xinjiang Province in China.

Among the film buffs were special delegate including Mr. Tong Gang, Vice Minister from the State Administration of Press Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of The People’s Republic of China (SAPPRFT), Ms. Li Lingbing, Consul General of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, Mr. Gao Huanggang, Director of Tian Shan Film Studio, His Excellency Dr. Eesa M, Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, and other well renowned guests from politics and business community.

The Consul General for China in Dubai, Ms. Li Lingbing, said “Currently the UAE-China’s strategic partnership is entering into a golden era. The ‘Belt-and-Road’ initiative is continuously opening up opportunities for a fruitful collaboration between China and the UAE. Events like these are only strengthening bonds between two countries and I am delighted to see these delegates attending a Chinese movie premiere.”

“Xinjiang Province in China is actively involved in the cooperation between two countries. This activity of introducing the cinema, aims to promote the cultural exchange of two countries through movies, enhancing the mutual understanding collaboration.” Added Ms. Li.

Talking about the movie, His Excellency Dr. Eesa M Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, said “This movie which is a true story has left an emotional impact on us today. There are different kind of Love a human comes across, but none of which can be compared to love and affection of a mother. I am touched by this experience.”

“The U.A.E. is a land of multicultural art lovers and people here are open to all kind of cinema and this is the first time Chinese cinema is promoted in the UAE. I hope such movies reach out to the entire Middle East and I believe this is one of the strongest way to introduce different cultures.” Added Dr. Bastaki.

Ms. Ma Li, Director General, International Cooperation Department of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China stated that, “Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the UAE, we’ve witnessed a sound and fast development in bilateral ties with fruitful pragmatic cooperation in all areas. These movies transcend race, ethnic and regional constraints, which will resonate with the audience.”

“The UAE audience will have a better understanding of China through this movie. At present, the two countries are making joint efforts to enhance the bilateral relations to bring benefits to both ends. I hope these movie premieres will lead to a closer connection between two countries in the field of television and films.” Added Ms. Ma.

“Genuine Love” produced by Tian Shan Film Studio is the true story of Ani Papa, a Uyghur mother and her struggle to raise 19 of her own children and adopted orphans from six different ethnic groups. It is based in a small town in Aletai Qinghe county in Xinjiang, China. In 2009, Ani Papa won the top 10 figures of “CCTV-Touching China” awards. This movie was initially released in May 2014 and was exhibited in several countries receiving many accolades.

“Money on the road” tells the story of three Uyghur farmers based in a small village in the southern part of Xinjiang Taklimakan Desert as they accidentally dig up a mysterious big iron box full of old money at a construction site. The movie conveys a message of humanity, affection, friendship and love in a comedic fashion.

Chinese cinema has made dramatic progress over the years. China produces over 600 films on various subjects and different genres per year, making it the second largest movie market in the world after North America. The Chinese box office has sustained an annual increasing rate of over 30% for over 10 consecutive years. In 2016, the box office has reached 49.2 billion RMB ($7.2 billion), with 1.37 billion city viewers.

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Names in Chinese are written Surname then Given Name. Thus, Ms Li Lingbing is also referred to as Ms Li.

Tianshan Film Studio
Tianshan Film Studio is the film studio of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which was founded in 1956 and began production in 1958. Its first work is the documentary film “Commander-in-chief Zhu visited Xinjiang”. In 1959, it made the first color documentary film “The Sun Shines in Xinjiang”. And its first feature film “Two Generations” was shot in 1960. Many employees in the studio are from different ethnics, such as Uygur, Kazak, Tajik, Uzbek, Tatar, Xibe, Hui, Manchu and Han. The minority ethnic groups take up half of the total staff, and 80% of the production team.

© Press Release 2017