KOLKATA: Unperturbed by the recent call for boycott of Chinese goods in India, China is increasing import, export and even joint production of films.
A team of actors and filmmakers from West Bengal had recently been invited by the Chinese government to present a slice of Bengali cinema in Beijing while the neighbouring nation is now the focus country at the ongoing Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).
“It is true that we know little about films from India, but we are now here to learn more. We are starting to communicate more with India gradually,” Chinese leading woman film director Li Shaohong told PTI here.
She is on the KIFF jury to select the best woman director from a tray of 15 international films including the 2016 Chinese film ‘Yesterday Once More’ made by Yao Tingting.
Besides this, there are seven other Chinese films which are being screened at the carnival.
The filmmaker admits that she has herself seen very few Indian films like the old classics of Raj Kapoor and Aamir Khan hits – ‘PK’ and ‘3 Idiots’.
When asked about the recent criticism of China in India which even led to a call for boycott of Chinese goods, Chinese Consul General Ma Zhanwu said the differences in their relationship with India was far outweighed by the similarities and shared interests.
There was a lot of scope for exchange and cooperation in different subjects including films, he said adding that almost anyone in China could recognise the Hindi song ‘Awara Hoon’.
The Chinese government regulates the number of Indian films that can be legally imported into China each year, but piracy is also common. (AGENCIES)
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