BMA has learnt that two upcoming China-Africa film co-productions are in the works, aiming to captivate Chinese audiences with compelling narratives from Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while advancing film collaboration efforts.
The movies, scheduled to commence filming next year, will feature diverse locations in China and Africa. The African Film Association in China, led by Luc Bendza, is actively securing funding for these ambitious projects, with filming expected to span two to three months.
“Love in Mauritius” and “Terres D’Acier, Ames De Cristal” (Land of Steel, Souls of Crystal), set in Mauritius and DRC, respectively, are slated for production and will receive pre-shoot exposure at the upcoming Guangzhou Film Industry Expo and Trade Fair in late September.
“Love in Mauritius” chronicles the journey of a disheartened Chinese woman embarks on a trip to Mauritius, where she encounters a compassionate man who serves as a guiding presence. Additionally, she meets a Chinese love interest working as a driving instructor on the island, creating emotional tension.
On the other hand, “Terres D’Acier, Ames De Cristal” delves into how the DRC’s resources impact individuals beyond its borders as a Chinese language teacher confronts the harsh realities of life in the country.
Both films plan to shoot in their respective countries and showcase a unique blend of Chinese and African cultural elements. Luc Bendza expressed optimism regarding the support from Mauritius and China for “Love in Mauritius,” emphasizing the potential for strengthening ties in terms of tourism and cultural exchange.
The overarching goal for these productions is to foster greater collaboration between Chinese and African film industries, promoting mutual understanding and the creation of compelling narratives beneficial to both regions. Bendza hopes these projects will not only break barriers but also inspire and pave the way for future collaborative endeavours between the two filmmaking communities.
