The Chinese Film Festival was launched yesterday at Nu Metro Cinema, V&A Waterfront by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China and the Consulate General of P.R.China. The Opening was joined by Vice Minister ZHAO Shi of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China, MEC Whitey Jacobs of the Western Cape, Ms. Celia-Sandra Botha, House Chairperson of SA National Assembly, Mr. SHI Weiqiang, Consul General of China, heads of foreign missions in Cape Town, local officials, company heads and local Chinese. 

On behalf of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Minister Zhao congratulated the successful opening of the Festival. She thanked the National Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Sport and Art, MIH and the Consulate General of China in Cape Town for their effort in bringing the Festival to real. "China and Africa have been our homelands of hope and the two countries enjoyed long-lasting friendship" remarked Minister Zhao, "The Chinese Film Festival is a significant joint effort to promote cooperation and friendship between China and South Africa." She mentioned that the Festival is going to present nine Chinese Films in the coming month, featuring Chinese history, culture and society. She believed that the Festival would benefit film industries of both countries, propel prosperity and development of two cultures, and enhance the relations between two countries.

MEC Jacobs also gave his congratulations. He was grateful that the Chinese Film Delegation traveled thousands of miles to Cape Town and the Western Cape, bringing Chinese Film Festival to the Gateway of South Africa. He noted that the Chinese Film Festival is a follow-up step of the Implementation Programme under the Agreement on Co-operation in Arts and Culture for the Years 2006-2009. "China and South Africa always have good relationship" said the MEC, "South Africans have already realized that we have a potential in film industry, but without a partner we are not able to tap that potential." He also wished the Delegation would have some time enjoy Cape Town. Cape Town is also a place with unspoiled natural beauty, he boasted.

Chinese Consul General Mr. Shi spent some time in retrospect of the bilateral relations. "The relations between South Africa and China have developed rapidly in recent years" commented Mr. Shi, "Chinese President came in 2007 right after our Premier's visit in 2006. Agreements of cooperation were reached in extensive areas, including culture exchange." He believed that South Africa and China could learn from each other and move forward together by hosting communication programs such as Film Festivals. "Our close cooperation in Culture area would certainly contribute to our New Strategic Partnership", said Consul General Shi.

After the Opening Ceremony, all the guests were invited into the cinema for a preview of China's latest knockout-"The Knot".