Actors and guests pose for photos on the red carpet for the opening ceremony of the 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 13, 2024. The 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) kicked off Wednesday evening at Egypt's Cairo Opera House with strong Chinese participation. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Audience filled the main hall of Cairo Opera House in the Egyptian capital Thursday for the Chinese film "Decoded," the opening film of the Chinese Cinema Week at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).

The Chinese Cinema Week, part of the festival's special programs, focuses on showcasing the diverse world of Chinese cinema, including genres like sci-fi and drama.

Ahead of the film, Egyptian veteran movie star Hussein Fahmy, also the CIFF president, expressed his appreciation for the growing participation of Chinese films in the festival, eyeing further cooperation between the two sides.

"As a cinema professional working in the film industry, I am very interested in having cooperation in joint production between Egyptian and Chinese cinemas ... thus having exchange between these two cultures," Fahmy told the audience before the screening.

The CIFF president emphasized that "Chinese cinema has always been advanced and has greatly developed in recent years," recalling his visit to Shanghai years back and the signing protocol of cooperation between the CIFF and the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Following his speech on stage, Fahmy signed a memorandum of understanding between the CIFF and the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) with Vice Chairman of BJIFF's Organizing Committee Zhao Weidong.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang, Deputy Head of the China Film Administration Lu Liang, and other Chinese and Egyptian diplomats and filmmakers, along with the audience.

Lu said that "the long-term friendly exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian film industries and related cultural institutions have continued to play a positive role in enhancing the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples."

Decoded, directed by Chen Sicheng, tells the gripping story of Rong Jinzhen, a brilliant Chinese mathematician and codebreaker who deciphers enemy codes during the 1940s to help safeguard his country. The film captivated the audience with its intriguing plot, high-quality cinematography, and powerful soundtrack.

The director of the film, Chen Sicheng, said that he was proud to have his film screened at the renowned CIFF, considering it an important gateway for the popularity of Chinese films in the Arab world.

Chen, a guest of honor of the 45th CIFF, was awarded the Golden Pyramid honorary award following the screening of his film.

The film's impressive storytelling and technical elements earned praise from Egyptian filmmakers, including Amira El-Fiky, who commended the actors' performances, the use of sound effects, and the director's ability to maintain a smooth rhythm throughout the film's length.

"Watching this movie made me excited to continue watching the rest of the Chinese Cinema Week movies to see how they differ and diversify," she said.

"With this quality, Chinese cinema will have a great future in the Arab world in terms of popularity," the Egyptian filmmaker told Xinhua.

Other Chinese films displayed in the program include Evacuate from the 21st Century, G for Gap, Lighting Up the Stars, and Viva La Vida.

In this year's CIFF, the Chinese film Brief History of a Family, directed by Lin Jianjie, competes in the International Critics' Week Competition, alongside seven other films from Egypt, Chile, Greece, Morocco, Ireland, Argentina, and France.

Held from Nov. 13 to 22, the 45th CIFF features about 190 films from around the world.

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