ASEAN, China kick of film festival

China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries participated in the first ASEAN Film Week, which was launched in Beijing on Wednesday.

With the support of ASEAN embassies in Beijing and Beijing Language and Culture University, the ASEAN-China Center is hosting the event, which is running from Dec 18 to 24 at Room 438 in the No 2 Teaching Building at the university.

During the weeklong event, seven films made by Southeast Asian directors will be presented.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. China and ASEAN countries have enjoyed favorable ties in various fields including politics, trading and people-to-people exchanges.

"ASEAN-China relations are deeply rooted in culture and will be better promoted through cultural and people-to-people exchanges," said Ma Mingqiang, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center.

"Film has been a useful instrument to connect Chinese people with ASEAN."

The ASEAN Film Week is one among many activities at the center to celebrate the anniversary year. It is also the first event organized by the newly launched ASEAN-China Language and Culture Center at the university.