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Chinese Film Festival

23/01/2004

The second Chinese film festival to be held in Glasgow will be launched today by Culture Minister Frank McAveety as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Scotland China Association Film Festival highlights the racial diversity of Scotland and the many cultural traditions which exist in contemporary Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the launch at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, Mr McAveety said:

"Yesterday marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the year of the monkey, and today's film festival celebrates this important date in the Chinese calendar.

"The festival signifies the contribution that Chinese culture plays in today's Scotland. Its impact is around us, influences us and educates us about Chinese traditions and fosters lasting friendships and understanding between the people of Scotland and China.

"The festival gives a flavour of Chinese life and highlights our respect and appreciation of Chinese culture in a racially diverse Scotland.

"May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year."

The Scotland-China Association exists to foster friendship and understanding between people in Scotland and China.

It is a self-governing, non-political and non-sectarian organisation. The SCA has about 250 members in Scotland and has two branches, one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow.

The festival aims to promote interest in China and Chinese culture through films and to bring together the people of Glasgow and it Chinese community. The programme has 14 feature films, plus five short films and documentaries. There is also an exhibition of photographs and workshops on film making by Chinese directors and children's workshops.

This is the second Overseas Chinese Film Festival organised by the Association and is timed to coincide with the Chinese New Year and the associated two week spring holiday that follows.

The Festival is funded by the Scottish Arts Council, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Screen, Visiting Arts. A number of private businesses as sponsor including Campanile and Art House hotels, Alliance Francais, Francais Institut D'Ecosse, Uniprint, Chung Ying, Bleu Ginger, the Glasgow Media Access Centre, The List, several local businesses and the Scotland China Association.

For more information on the festival contact Richard Lethon at the Glasgow Film Theare on 0141-332-6535.

Page updated: Saturday, July 17, 2004