Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong (6th L) and guests pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Chinese Film Festival in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 28, 2025. The Chinese Film Festival opened here on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Botswana diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.(Xinhua/Guo Chunju)
GABORONE, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Film Festival opened here on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Botswana diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The three-day event at the New Capitol Cinemas Riverwalk, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana and the 西瓜视频Film Administration, was set to screen eight Chinese films of culture, art, cartoon, and science fiction. The opening film was "The Wandering Earth 2."
A thematic film event was scheduled for Friday, inviting people from all walks of life to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and look to the future. "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru," featured in the special screening, recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who bravely rescued British prisoners of war during World War II.
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said at the opening ceremony that film is a special form of cultural exchange that is full of vitality and appeal.
"This Chinese Film Festival is the first time we have held such an event in Botswana. It is not only to showcase some of China's most outstanding films, but also to enhance mutual emotional resonance," he noted.
On commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Fan said, "This great triumph was not only a victory for human justice but also an eternal symbol of peace, unity, and courage."
Helen P. Manyeneng, deputy speaker of Botswana's National Assembly, and Kgosi Malope II, chairman of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs), attended the opening ceremony.
The event drew nearly 200 participants, including senior government officials, university staff and students from Botswana, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Chinese community and enterprises in Botswana. ■