The 7th Asian Film Festival has commenced in Abuja with renewed calls for stronger cultural collaboration and deeper dialogue between Asian countries and Nigeria. The three-day event, taking place from December 9 to 11 at the China Cultural Centre, features a curated lineup of films from China, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Turkey.
The opening ceremony brought together diplomats, cultural ambassadors, filmmakers and enthusiasts from both Asia and Nigeria, reflecting a shared commitment to using cinema as a platform for connection and understanding.
Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described this year’s festival as an important step in strengthening ties between Asian and African cultures. He noted that Asia and Africa share a history of close interaction and cultural similarities that can be further explored through artistic platforms such as film.
“Culture represents who we are, and film is one of its most powerful expressions. It allows us to experience each other’s stories, identities and ways of life. This festival provides Nigerians with an opportunity to discover the depth and diversity of Asian cultures,” he said.
Yang expressed appreciation to the participating embassies for their collaboration, acknowledging the strong support from the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Centre. He also highlighted China’s contribution to the festival, describing the featured film as a cultural bridge that blends elements of Chinese storytelling with Korean creativity.
Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mahdavi Raja emphasized the festival’s role in promoting dialogue, empathy and peaceful coexistence. He explained that the initiative, which was originally conceived by Iran years ago, has evolved into a collective Asian cultural celebration supported by multiple nations.
“Culture and the arts are universal languages. Cinema, in particular, allows us to view the world from new perspectives and reminds us of the human connections we all share,” he said.
He noted that in an increasingly divided world, platforms that foster understanding are essential. According to him, festivals like this help break down cultural barriers, encourage mutual respect and create enduring friendships.
The Ambassador thanked all participating countries, partners and attendees for contributing to the festival’s continued growth and success.
The festival will continue with daily film screenings at the China Cultural Centre, offering Nigerian audiences a vibrant mix of Asian cinema, storytelling traditions and cultural diversity.
