DAKAR, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Chinese Film Festival in Senegal opened Friday evening in Dakar, drawing around 100 guests from various sectors of both countries. The opening ceremony was followed by a screening of "The Shadow's Edge."
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang said this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Describing cinema as a "bridge across borders that connects people," Li expressed hope that the festival would "give Senegalese audiences a closer look at China's history, contemporary society and people's lives."
El Hadji Tanor Gning, chief of staff to Senegal's minister in charge of culture, creative industries and historical heritage, said the festival offered local audiences "a valuable opportunity to discover the richness, diversity and modernity of Chinese cinema."
The event also provides "a platform for Senegalese film professionals to exchange ideas with their Chinese counterparts," he said, expressing hope that it would become a regular fixture of film cooperation between the two countries.
The two-day festival runs through Saturday, featuring seven Chinese films spanning action, comedy, animation and documentary. ■