Chinese film 'Cliff Walkers' screened in Australian capital

The Chinese blockbuster Cliff Walkers was screened in the Australian National University (ANU) on Wednesday evening.

A poster of "Cliff Walkers" [Photo courtesy of Bravo Entertainment ]

Co-organized by the ANU Film Group (ANUFG) and the Chinese embassy in Australia, it was viewed by more than 100 audiences.

ANUFG was founded in 1965 and started screening films regularly in 1966. Recognized as Australia's largest film society with members ranging from students to ambassadors and public servants, it showed about 150 films a year.

It has cooperated with different embassies, and this is the first time that the Chinese embassy is involved.

Song Yanqun, minister-counselor for culture at the embassy, said that the film was picked up by the ANUFG. "They are interested in director Zhang Yimou, which is why they chose this film," he said.

He noted that cultural exchanges could play an important role enhancing understanding between peoples.

The view was shared by Brett Yeats, sponsorship officer at the ANUFG, who told Xinhua that the screening provides a chance for people from different background to communicate with each other. "If you get to know each other, it only gets better," he said.

Carol Keil, president of the Australia China Friendship Society ACT Branch, was invited to watch the film. She has watched other Zhang Yimou's films including The Road Home and Red Sorghum.

"Any cultural event which has Australians and Chinese together promotes more understanding," she said.

Minister of the Chinese Embassy Wang Xining was also present at the reception before the film. He introduced the background of the film to audiences.

Also at the Cultural Center where the film was screened, an exhibition featuring tourism in China and poverty alleviation was held. Wang invited people to visit China after the COVID-19 pandemic so as to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn more about the country.