DUT’s newly established Confucius Institute (DUT CI) held its first Chinese Film Festival at Suncoast Casino’s Cinecentre, North Beach, Durban, on Wednesday (20 August 2014) evening.

The festival was attended by DUT students, members of staff and people from Durban and its areas. Showcased was the animation clip of the Time of Cherry Blossoms and The Grandmaster. According to Dr Eddie Chaobo Fu; Associate Professor of the Confucius Institute at DUT, both movies had won several awards all over the world.

“The Grandmaster is based on a true story. Both these movies selected tonight have won several prices at international film festivals. Tonight we are showcasing these films in order to introduce some of the best produced Chinese movies and documentaries and we also hope to make local people understand more about China and Chinese culture especially the development of Chinese film production and also provide an opportunity for the community to know about the DUT CI and the programs offered,” he said.
The DUT CI opened its doors last year. This institute aims to educate locals as well as DUT staff and students about Chinese traditional art, culture and traditions.

The film festival is one of the many initiatives of the DUT-CI and was also held in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Global Confucius Institute Day celebrations. Smangele Sikhakhane of South Beach, Durban, was delighted to be at the festival. “I enjoyed myself and I am keen to learn more about Chinese culture,” she said.

The Film Festival will be held annually where several film events will be held in Durban. “During September or October, we will hold another film event at DUT, specially for the students. Moreover, the Confucius Institute is planning to hold a China and Chinese Month soon to showcase a series of Chinese movies and documentaries in different campuses of DUT,” said Dr Fu.

-Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Dr Eddie Chaobo Fu; Associate Professor of the Confucius Institute at DUT and Noxolo Memela; Media Officer at DUT during the DUT CI’s first Chinese Film Festival at Suncoast Casino’s Cinecentre, North Beach, Durban, last week.