The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-HABITAT) in Kenya staged the premiere of the film Nine-Mile Fragrance depicting the Wenchuan earthquake relief efforts. The film, showing the unique culture of the Qiang ethnic group and the great spirit of love of the Chinese people in their earthquake relief work, left a deep impression on the African audience. The January 12 premiere was the first time a Chinese film had been shown in the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
The screening of the film, jointly produced by the CPAFFC, the Publicity Department of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, the CPC Longnan Municipal Committee and the Longnan Municipal Government, was held in the First Conference Hall of UNON presided over by Peter Mutie, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission. Liu Guangyuan, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Sahle-Work Zewede, UNON Director-General, and Dr. Joan Clos, UN Undersecretary General and Executive Director of the UN-HABITAT, delivered speeches to about 400 people present, including UNON officials and members of the Kenyan government, foreign diplomats in Kenya, representatives of Chinese enterprises and the Chinese community in Kenya, Kenyan teachers and students. Also present were the film’s director, Wang Xingjun, and leading actress Yu Na.
Liu Qian, Acting Secretary General of the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association (CAPFA), read out the message of congratulations sent by CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin in which she extended congratulations on the premiere and hoped the film would help more Africans know that the Wenchuan earthquake had not only brought disaster, but had also stimulated the staunch, unyielding spirit of the Chinese people. She wished great development of Sino-African friendship.
Ambassador Liu said in his speech: “The film vividly portrays the traditional culture of the Chinese minority ethnic groups and the essential meaning of the saying:“A friend in need is a friend indeed”. It also serves as a spiritual gift to the people of different cultures all over the world. Cultural exchange is a unique avenue for the meeting of minds, interaction of feelings and a bridge of friendship between different countries. Both China and Africa have their own brilliant cultures in which all take great pride. More and more
Africans have become interested in China. It is the best time for Chinese culture to come to Africa.” Ambassador Liu expressed the belief that there would be more Chinese films and art performances in Africa and more would be jointly produced as the result of closer exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African artists.
In their remarks, Director General Sahle-Work Zewede and Executive Director Clos warmly congratulated the film’s successful premiere at the UNON. They said it told a beautiful love story and showed how people help each other when facing disasters, which is very moving and encouraging, and positive for China-Africa cultural exchanges. They noted that culture is an important channel for mutual assistance and benefit between peoples and the UNON hall was not only a venue for political conferences, but also a platform for various cultural events. The United Nations was always open to high-quality events of cultural exchanges and cooperation.
The audience gave warm response to the film. Jasmine, a student at the Kenya Confucius Institute, said, “It’s so wonderful. I am very glad to see the film and through such a simple and direct way to know about the profound culture of the Chinese Qiang ethnic group. ”
Executive Director Clos said the film tried to expound to the world the importance of cultural preservation. It was a good film with beautiful songs, and a gift to the people of the world that would have great influence. The Chinese government’s efforts to preserve cultures of ethnic groups, particularly Qiang culture, and the Chinese people’s spirit of helping and assisting each other in times of need left a deep impression.
Sahle-Work Zewede said: “The film is very significant for preservation of culture. The ideas expressed are very important to the preservation of not only Chinese culture but also the cultures of other countries in the world. The film teaches us an important lesson.”
Ruth Baru, a Kenyan journalist, praised the film, saying, he could see the great love the Chinese people possessed and showed in helping each other confront disaster.
Ambassador Liu said: “We try to communicate with others and show Chinese people’s pursuit of love and happiness through films. It can enhance understanding between the people of China, Africa and the world at large and promote our friendship.”
Background
The film Nine-Mile Fragrance tells a heart-warming love story set in a Qiang village in Western China when the catastrophic earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008. It vividly portrays the unique customs and culture of the Qiang ethnic group and praises people’s heroic deeds in the earthquake relief efforts and the great achievements made by the people of various ethnic groups under the leadership of the Chinese government in rebuilding their home. The production crew went to Li County of Aba Prefecture, Wenchuan and Danba of Ganzi Prefecture to shoot scenes. The film adopted Qiang traditional music, songs and dances with rich local flavor and geographic features including the dance at a sacrificial ceremony, Guozhuang dance as well as Qiang flutes and original folk songs such as Asking Bunkers, Sister Erma, The Mother’s Red Belt, etc. It gives the audience a chance to appreciate the vast and miraculous land in Western China.
