AS part of a cultural exchange programme commemorating the 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations, the 2025 Chinese Image Film Week and the opening ceremony of the China-Myanmar Film Festival, which will run until 19 November, were held yesterday afternoon at Nay Pyi Taw Cinema in Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
First, a video of the opening ceremony of the Chinese Image Film Week and the China-Myanmar Film Festival was shown.
Then, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Myanmar Ms Ma Jia delivered a speech. After that, Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn said: ‘Previously, film festivals hosted by China were held annually in Yangon and Mandalay. Myanmar audiences have always been fond of Chinese films and have enthusiastically supported them at these festivals. In interactions between countries and peoples, even if some audiences do not understand the language, the portrayal of stories in films has helped people understand each other and brought them closer. Myanmar and China are cooperating in all areas, and the two countries are also promoting exchanges and collaboration in the fields of information and culture.
He also expressed his belief that the opening ceremony of the 2025 Chinese Image Film Week and the China-Myanmar Film Festival held today would help Myanmar audiences learn more about China and strengthen the friendship between the two countries. He wished that the China-Myanmar Film Festival would continue as a valued tradition, with more films screened and festivals held in the coming years, and that the friendship between China and Myanmar would grow even stronger.
Then, the Union minister, the region chief minister, and other attendees saluted the State flag and watched the screening of the movie ‘Wu Kong’.
During the festival, eight Chinese films with Myanmar subtitles will be screened for free, including Wukong, Hello Mom, Moon Adventure, Eight Hundred Heroes, My Beloved Homeland, The Poet and the Black Cat, The Swordsman of the Desert, and Life with Mistakes. Visitors can register to watch the films.
The ceremony was also attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, regional ministers, and film enthusiasts.
In the morning, the Union minister inspected the upgrade of Wazira Cinema on Bogyoke Aung San Road in Kyauktada Township, Yangon, into an internationally recognized Red Carpet Theatre.
Then, in the meeting hall, relevant officials explained the ongoing upgrade work at Wazira Cinema. The Union minister directed that the cinema be renovated by March 2026, fully upgraded to meet standards, and that the seating, sound, and lighting systems be improved.
Afterwards, they inspected the proposed parking lot on the land owned by Myanma Railways in front of Wazira Cinema.
The Union minister then observed the filming of a Public Service Announcement (PSA), organized by the Myanmar Music Association (Central), promoting the successful holding of the 2025 multiparty democratic general election at Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road in Yangon, featuring well-known artistes.
Afterwards, the Union minister met with U Lwin Myint, Chairman of the Myanmar Music Association (Central), and the artistes, expressing his pride in their voluntary and active participation in promoting the election. Their efforts help provide accurate awareness to the people so they can vote freely and fairly, ensure that eligible voters do not lose their right to vote, and enable citizens to correctly choose leaders who will guide the development of the country and the region. The artists were also encouraged to continue striving to be beloved by the people, after which they were treated to lunch. — MNA/TH
