CAIRO  –  China Film Week opened, bringing together filmmakers, critics and students for a week-long celebration aimed at strengthening cultural ties between China and Egypt. The opening ceremony, held under the theme “Chang’an-Cairo Forum: West China Film Week in Egypt 2026”, attracted over 200 participants. It started with a promotional film for the 13th Silk Road International Film Festival, to be held in northwestern China’s Xi’an this September. Jointly organised by Egypt’s Cinema Professions Syndicate and Chinese partners, including the Executive Committee of the Silk Road International Film Festival (Xi’an), Xiying Group, and Silk Road International Film Exchange & Trading Centre, the week-long event marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic ties. Seven Chinese films will be screened during the event. Li Yadong, director of “Happiness Railway”, which was screened at the opening night, told a wire service that the event offers Egyptian audiences an opportunity to discover the authentic image of western China and the lives of people in its mountainous regions. “The film highlights universal human values shared by the Chinese and Egyptian peoples, including the pursuit of a stable life, family security and a better future,” Li said. He said Egyptian and Arab audiences would likely identify with the film’s characters and aspirations while gaining a better understanding of China’s development. “It is not simply a story about a train. It is a story about ordinary people, dignity and the shared values that connect our two nations and reflect the longstanding friendship between our civilisations,” he added. Xiao Nan, deputy manager of Xiying Group, said the film week not only celebrates the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties but also demonstrates cinema’s role in strengthening mutual understanding. Noting that Xi’an and Cairo are both homes to ancient civilizations, she told the wire service that films enable audiences to better understand each other’s daily lives, values and emotions. Ghada Ghobara, deputy head of Egypt’s Cinema Professions Syndicate and former president of the Academy of Arts, described cinema as an important bridge between civilisations. “Egypt and China are two countries with ancient civilisations, and cinema helps bring our peoples closer and understand each other better,” Ghobara said.

Describing “Happiness Railway” as “beautiful and sensitive”, Ghobara praised its portrayal of ordinary people and China’s natural scenery.

“Cinema is not just entertainment. It can change people’s lives and strengthen relations between nations, especially between countries that already enjoy strong ties like Egypt and China,” Ghobara added.

Sohila Ibrahim, a first-year Chinese-language student at Cairo University, said the event offers a valuable opportunity to better understand Chinese society.

“It is a great experience to watch Chinese films and learn how Chinese people live, celebrate and interact. It broadens my understanding of China and its culture,” she said, describing “Happiness Railway” as “unique and engaging.”