Inside Film Reports…Director Tony Ayres has thrown his support behind the inaugural Sydney China Film Festival, which he believes will strengthen ties between the Chinese and Australian film industries.
…Following the success of Chinese film festivals in the United States, Canada and China, there are plans to start a similar festival in China that promotes Australian films in order to further strengthen cross-cultural ties.
…Speaking at a media conference in Sydney, the director of award-winning films Home Song Stories and Walking on Water said that the film festival would change many misconceptions surrounding China and also allow Australian audiences to understand the similarities between Australian and Chinese cultures.
“It is promoting cultural exchange between Australia and China and bringing together Australian and Chinese filmmakers,” said actress and Beyond Tomorrow presenter, Anna Choy.
The festival runs from Saturday 31 January until Friday 6 February 2009 only at the Greater Union George Street Cinemas. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday 30 January.