Ethiopia is set to host the inaugural China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival in its capital, Addis Ababa, from December 20 to 23, 2024. The festival aims to enhance cooperation and cultural exchange between Ethiopia and China, as well as among BRICS nations, by celebrating their shared cinematic traditions and fostering mutual understanding through the arts.
At a media briefing on Friday, Zhang Yawei, the cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening the bond between the two nations through film and television. “This event will serve as an important tool to enhance cultural understanding and deepen the friendship between the peoples of Ethiopia and China,” said Zhang. He highlighted the rich cultural heritage of both countries and the opportunity to showcase them on the international stage.
The Ethiopian State Minister of Culture and Sports, Nafisa Al-Mahdi, added that the festival will play a vital role in promoting people-to-people cooperation, as well as inspiring local talent within Ethiopia’s film industry. “By sharing experiences between Ethiopian and Chinese filmmakers, the festival will create an environment conducive to producing films and TV shows that resonate with the audiences of both nations,” Al-Mahdi stated.
The event is organized by Yegof Entertainment, represented by Zewdu Lingerh, who spoke about the festival’s broader impact on the global film industry. “The festival will celebrate the finest Chinese and Ethiopian films and bring together well-known filmmakers, artists, actors, and directors from both countries,” said Lingerh. He also drew attention to the shared characteristics of BRICS countries’ films, such as unique storytelling, diversity, and authenticity—qualities that Ethiopian filmmakers should aspire to emulate.
Lingerh further stressed the importance of integrating Ethiopia’s film industry with China’s, calling for the creation of audience-centered content that appeals to global markets. “This collaboration is crucial for elevating Ethiopia’s cinema to new heights, benefiting from the originality and authenticity of Chinese films,” he added.
In addition to cultural exchange, the festival is seen as a means of strengthening the economic and political ties between Ethiopia, China, and other BRICS nations. BRICS, a bloc of five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has evolved into a powerful international cooperation mechanism with an expanding membership. The festival aims to build on this framework by advancing collaboration within the film industry and beyond, using cinema as a diplomatic tool.
The inaugural China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival promises to be a landmark event, not only boosting cultural relations between Ethiopia and China but also contributing to broader international dialogues through the lens of film and television.
