Four acclaimed Chinese films captivated audiences in Bishkek this week during a three-day China Film Festival, highlighting growing cultural ties between Asia and Central Asia. The event, held from August 27 to 29, featured cinematic works spanning historical drama to modern storytelling, offering Kyrgyz viewers a window into China's rich narrative traditions.
Ambassador Liu Jiangping emphasized the festival's role in cultural diplomacy, stating: "These films are bridges connecting hearts across the Eurasian continent." The opening night drew over 350 attendees, including Kyrgyz State Secretary Marat Imankulov and Chinese film archivists, for a screening of the patriotic anthology "My Country, My Parents."
Notable selections included the WWII naval thriller "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" and the steampunk-inspired mystery "Detective Chinatown 1900." The festival concluded with "The Sky Is the Limit," an inspiring sports drama about Paralympic athletes.
Zhang Xuxia of the China Film Archive noted the curated lineup aimed to "showcase China's cinematic diversity while resonating with universal human values." The event marks increasing cultural exchanges along the Belt and Road initiative corridor, following recent co-productions between Chinese and Central Asian filmmakers.
