Johannesburg, May 27: The first phase of the “Silk Road Lights” program, aimed at promoting and showcasing Chinese films abroad, commenced on Tuesday at the Nu Metro Cinema in Hyde Park Shopping Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. This initiative is supported by the National Film Bureau of China and organized by China Media Group (CMG).
The inauguration saw participation from over 100 attendees, including Wu Feng, the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, officials from the South African Foreign Ministry, cultural and media representatives, members of the Chinese expatriate community, and young students.
This event is considered a significant cultural activity under the “2026 China-Africa Cultural Exchange Year.” The two highest-grossing Chinese films of 2026, “Pegasus-3” and “Blades of the Guardians,” were showcased during the event.
Ambassador Wu Feng emphasized that the foundation of China-Africa relations is built on mutual connections among people, and films serve as a vital medium to strengthen these ties. He noted that the popularity of Chinese films in Africa is steadily increasing.
Song Qianing, director of CMG Africa, reported that by May 18, 2026, the box office earnings for Chinese films had surpassed 14.5 billion yuan. She highlighted that these films provide African audiences with a better understanding of modern China and Chinese culture.
Following the film screenings, the audience applauded for nearly two minutes, showing their appreciation for the films. Major media outlets, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), South Africa Independent Media Group, and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, covered the event, reaching over 100 million viewers.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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