The 9th Chinese Cinema Festival in Sao Paulo, taking place as Brazil and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, packed theaters with audiences eager to see classic and modern Chinese films.
With 14 movies to choose from, the event proved an overwhelming success. One film buff was drawn by his interest in Chinese martial arts.
"I really liked it. I enjoy Kung Fu films. I practiced martial arts for quite a while, so I'm really interested in this," said Hector Felix, a sales assistant.
The festival was organized with the support of Sao Paulo's Confucius Institute, one of the most important organizations working to spread Chinese culture around the world, including in Brazil.
"A lot of people from other countries are very interested in China, not only in its current development but also the history of China and why China can develop so fast. That must have something to do with its history and Chinese culture. So that's why language and culture are very important for us to know, and that's what our Confucius Institute is doing now," said Ye Dan, director of the Confucius Institute.
As Brazil and China continue to strengthen their political and economic ties, there is also space for events like this Cinema Festival to enhance cultural integration between the two nations.
Romualdo Matos, a Portuguese language teacher, said he was taking the opportunity to broaden his knowledge of Chinese cinema and culture.
"I find it interesting how they value antiquity and ancestry. Even in more modern films, I notice they emphasize this connection to culture and tradition. For a long time, we came to know China through its products, and now we are getting to know China through its culture. This is really great," said Matos.
As the theme of the festival — "Far... But Close" — suggests, Brazil and China may be physically distant, but cultural exchange can help build a bridge and bring these two sides of the planet closer together.
Sao Paulo Chinese cinema festival casts lens on China for Brazilian viewers
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
