Two exciting China-Africa film collaborations are set to captivate audiences with stories from Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while promoting film industry cooperation.
Filming for these projects is slated to begin next year, with locations in both China and Africa. Luc Bendza of the African Film Association in China reports that the production is expected to last between two to three months, and efforts to secure funding are ongoing.
The productions include “Love in Mauritius,” a romance film, and “Terres D’Acier, Ames De Cristal” (Land of Steel, Souls of Crystal), set in the DRC. Both films will be featured at the upcoming Guangzhou Film Industry Expo and Trade Fair later this month.
“Love in Mauritius” follows a Chinese woman who, dissatisfied with her life, travels to Mauritius. There, she meets a man who offers her hope and guidance, played by Bendza. She also encounters a Chinese driving instructor in Mauritius, although she remains unsure about him.
“Terres D’Acier, Ames De Cristal” addresses how the Democratic Republic of Congo’s resources primarily benefit foreign interests rather than local communities. The film follows a Chinese teacher sent to the DRC to teach her language, who becomes immersed in the country’s real-life challenges.
Production will occur in both the DRC and China, starting next summer. The film has received backing from the DRC and Switzerland, with Joseph Kumbela, a native of the DRC now based in Switzerland, directing the project.
In contrast, “Love in Mauritius” blends romance with a showcase of Mauritius’ popular tourist destinations. The film aims to strengthen tourism relations between China and Mauritius and introduce the island’s attractions to Chinese viewers. Directed by Chinese filmmaker Lu Qingying, it will be filmed in Shanghai and Mauritius.
These projects are expected to enhance cooperation between the Chinese and African film industries, fostering mutual understanding and exploring new collaborative opportunities.
