Movies can become bridge of friendship: Masidi

Kota Kinabalu: Films can provide a good avenue to foster mutual understanding, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
He said movies can become a bridge of friendship among various communities.

“If one see a particular movie, he or she will learn and understand about the culture… it is a good medium to get people together,” he said during the opening of the China Film Festival 2016 at MBO cinemas, at Imago Mall, here, on Tuesday.

Masidi said the festival provides a good opportunity for Sabahans to watch good quality Chinese movies.

“In Sabah, it is not only the Chinese who go to the cinemas and watch Chinese movies… almost everyone watches all kinds of movies even in languages that they don’t speak.”

China’s Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie said Chinese films have their own uniqueness where they reflect an interpretation of traditional culture with modern humanistic elements.

“I hope Sabahans will enjoy the films and experience the unique charms of Chinese culture.

“I also hope there will be more cultural exchanges between China and Sabah to further promote friendship between people from both sides,” she said.

Five films are featured in the festival – ‘Monkey King: Hero is Back’, ‘Go Away Mr Tumor’, ‘Wolf Totem’, ‘Lost in Thailand’ and ‘Monster Hunt’.

The festival which runs from Tuesday until Saturday (Sept 24) is organised by China’s Consulate in conjunction with the 67th China National Day celebration and co-hosted by the Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah.

Show times are at 7pm with one movie shown per day and each film has Malay and English subtitles.

Movie tickets will be distributed for free an hour before the films start at MBO cinemas in Imago Mall.

Source: Daily Express