On September 13, 2023, Bendigo, Australia, played host to the opening ceremony of the 2024 “Chinese Film Week” in Victoria. The event attracted nearly a hundred attendees, including Fang Xinwen, the Consul General of China in Melbourne; Victoria’s Premier, Allan; Bendigo’s Mayor, Matekaf; and various representatives from local political, cultural, and expatriate communities.

During his speech, Consul General Fang highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening Sino-Australian relations. He noted that film acts as a crucial bridge for enhancing this exchange between the two nations, expressing his hope that the film festival would enable more audiences in Victoria to appreciate Chinese cinema, experience its rich culture, and gain insights into contemporary China.

Fang also took a moment to reflect on the legacy of Chinese immigrants who settled in Bendigo during the gold rush of the 19th century, acknowledging their struggles and contributions to Australia’s multicultural landscape. He expressed his desire for second-generation Chinese Australians in Bendigo to maintain a connection with their ancestral homeland through the medium of film.

The Consul General also discussed the collaborative initiatives taking place between Victoria and China. He expressed the consulate’s dedication to embodying the spirit of the festival’s opening film, “Hot and Spicy,” while working alongside the Victorian government to foster exchanges in trade, culture, and education. Fang sees the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Australian comprehensive strategic partnership as an ideal moment for deepening collaboration.

Premier Allan welcomed the decision to host the film week outside of Melbourne for the first time, emphasizing the role of film in fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Australia. He acknowledged the long-standing presence of the Chinese community in Bendigo and praised their vital contributions to the region’s social, economic, and multicultural fabric. Allan reassured attendees that the Victorian government is committed to addressing the needs of the Chinese community.

Mayor Matekaf expressed his appreciation for the consulate’s choice to launch the film week in Bendigo, sharing insights into the growth and resilience of the local Chinese community since the gold rush era. He commended local Chinese organizations for their efforts and wished for the film week’s success.

The event’s opening film, “Hot and Spicy,” captivated the audience, filling the venue to capacity. Following the screening, a discussion session featured Consul General Fang and his wife, along with consulate diplomats, moderated by the chairman of the Bendigo Chinese Community. Attendees expressed their delight in experiencing high-quality Chinese cinema in their local theater and were particularly inspired by the film’s protagonist, who exemplifies the pursuit of dreams and self-improvement. Viewers appreciated witnessing the advancements in the Chinese film industry and expressed eagerness for authentic portrayals of everyday Chinese life. Many attendees voiced hope for more cultural exchange events organized by the Chinese consulate in the future.

The 2024 “Chinese Film Week” in Victoria, hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne, is part of the larger 2024 Australian “Chinese Film Week,” co-organized by the Chinese National Film Administration and the Chinese Embassy in Australia. The film week will run from September 13 to 19, showcasing seven remarkable Chinese films, including “Hot and Spicy,” “The Investiture of the Gods: The Chaoge Storm,” “Catching Doll,” “Enthusiasm,” “The Red Sea,” “The Third Squad,” and “Chang’an 30,000 Li.”