2nd China-Cambodia film tour kicks off

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The second China-Cambodia Film Tour kicked off in Phnom Penh on Monday with the aim of promoting cultural ties between the two countries, officials said.

Three famous Chinese films - "Datang Xuanzang," "Kung Fu Yoga," and "Detective Chinatown" - along with three Cambodian movies had been selected for screening at this year's film tour.

Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona said the ticket-free event would enable Cambodians to better understand the cultural values of the two countries.

"I believe that the second China-Cambodia film tour would deepen the understanding and exchange of culture and arts between the two countries," she said in a speech during the opening ceremony held at the iconic Chak Tomuk Theater in Phnom Penh.

According to the minister, the films would be screened in "open-air cinemas" in Phnom Penh and seven provinces - Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong - until Jan. 17.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo said the friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and Cambodia had a long history and that cultural exchanges were a natural bond to enhance the friendship between peoples of the two countries.

"Films are an important carrier of culture and the arts," he said. "The three Chinese films will feature Chinese history, culture and tradition as well as the development of Chinese society."

The ambassador hoped that more Cambodians would better understand China's history and culture after watching the films.

The event was organized by the Chinese embassy to Cambodia and the Cambodia-China Friendship Radio in cooperation with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of Information, as well as the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia. Enditem