The 2nd China Ireland International Film Festival Held in Dublin Successfully

 

The 2nd China Ireland International Film Festival (CIIFF) is held in Dublin from 21st to 24th September. On the evening of 21st September, the 2nd CIIFF opened at Savoy Cinema in Dublin at 7:00 p.m. Former Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, officials from China Film Administration (CFA), the renowned Chinese actor Mr. Zhang Yi and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of CIIFF Liming Wang attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. The Ambassador of Ireland to China, Madam Ann Dervin, and the Ambassador of China to Ireland, H.E. He Xiangdong, extended their best wishes to the film festival via video.

In his opening speech, Wang Liming said: “Following the success of the first China Ireland International Festival held in 2019, we are excited to present, for the second time, a collection of both Chinese and Irish films in a single festival right here in Dublin. The groundwork for this festival began several months ago, and it has involved a great deal of hard work and meticulous preparation. The significance and value of this festival cannot be underestimated.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny pointed out in his speech that China Ireland International Film Festival serves as a bridge for cultural exchanges between the two countries. He hopes that through the film festival and the appreciation and love for films by the audiences from both nations, it proves the beautiful vision that exchanges can be achieved despite different cultural backgrounds.

Mr. Bai Yimin, Deputy Director of the China Film Administration, expressed that like Ireland, the Chinese government also attached great importance to the development of the film industry, and sincerely hoped that the Irish audience would enjoy the films screened in this festival, and thus gain a better understanding of China.

The Ambassador of Ireland to China, Madam Ann Derwin, wished the festival a success and expressed that the shared passion for film between filmmakers from the two countries has contributed to the thriving cultural exchanges between China and Ireland in recent years. She believes that there is great potential for China Ireland film cooperation in the future.

H.E. He Xiangdong, the Ambassador of China to Ireland, extended his sincere congratulations on the opening ceremony of the film festival, stating that film is an important channel for cross-cultural exchanges. The outstanding Chinese films featured in this year's festival will open a window for Irish audiences to understand Chinese culture and social development while showcasing the charm of Irish culture to Chinese viewers.

                                               Group photo of the guests

 

At the opening ceremony guests and the audience watched the film "Cliff Walkers" together. After the screening, the audience reacted enthusiastically. The film’s lead actor, Zhang Yi, shared behind-the-scenes stories of the film shooting and brilliantly answered the audience's questions. In conclusion, Zhang expressed that the spirit conveyed in the film is shared and upheld not only by the people of both China and Ireland but also by the world. Additionally, Zhang conveyed his fondness for Ireland and extended a worm welcome to Irish filmmakers, encouraging them to visit China more often.

The film festival lasts for four days, during which six Chinese films of different styles and genres will be screened, including "Cliff Walkers", "Fade Away Pastoral", "The Wandering EarthⅡ", "Lighting Up The Stars", "I Am What I Am", "In Pursuit of Light", as well as two recently produced Irish films, "North Circular" and "Lakelands". With the theme of "Cultural Connection", this film festival explores the cultural bonding and collision between China and Ireland, and also tells the story of the world through film.

                                          Photo of the staff in Reception

The China Ireland International Film Festival is organized by the China Film Administration and the Organizing Committee of the CIIFF, host by the China Film Archive and the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland, and supported by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, the Screen Ireland, Writers Guild of Ireland, and Ireland Chinese Journal.

                        Group photo of the staff from the UCD Confucius Institute