International Desk: The first phase of the overseas Chinese film showcase titled Silk Road Cinema officially opened on May 26 at the Nu Metro Cinema in Hyde Park Shopping Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

More than a hundred guests attended the opening ceremony, including Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, officials from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, representatives from cultural and media sectors, overseas Chinese communities, and young students.

The event was organized by China Media Group (CMG) with support from China’s National Film Administration. It is regarded as one of the key cultural exchange initiatives under the framework of the “2026 China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.”

During the event, two of China’s highest-grossing films of early 2026 — Pegasus 3 and Blades of the Guardians — were screened, offering African audiences a vivid glimpse into the dynamism of China’s film industry and the rich appeal of Chinese culture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, as well as the officially designated “China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.”

He described the Silk Road Cinema initiative as an important step toward implementing the consensus reached by Chinese and African leaders and deepening cultural exchanges between China and South Africa.

“South Africa is one of Africa’s most important film markets,” Wu said, adding that Chinese films can serve as an important window through which African audiences gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

Song Jia Ning, Director of CMG’s Africa Bureau, stated that China Media Group, as one of China’s most influential international media organizations, has been continuously promoting international cooperation and exchange in film and television culture in recent years.

He revealed that as of May 18, China’s box office revenue for 2026 had exceeded 14.5 billion yuan, reflecting the vitality and innovation of the Chinese film industry.

Song expressed hope that through films like Pegasus 3 and Blades of the Guardians, African audiences would gain a deeper understanding of contemporary China and experience the charm of Chinese culture through the universal language of cinema.

Veteran South African media personality John Bailey, owner and publisher of Sunday World and Sunday Sun, emphasized in his remarks that culture is the soul of bilateral relations and cinema remains one of the most powerful ways for nations to tell each other’s stories.

“Silk Road Cinema not only offers entertainment, but also strengthens mutual understanding and provides South African audiences with an opportunity to see a real China,” he said.

Following the screenings, audiences responded with great enthusiasm, applauding for nearly two minutes.

South African moviegoers praised the breathtaking plateau racing scenes and AI-assisted driving featured in Pegasus 3. Meanwhile, Blades of the Guardians impressed viewers with its sweeping desert landscapes, intense sword-fighting sequences, and emotionally resonant musical score, which many said reflected the spirit of Eastern justice and heroism.

Several local film professionals commented that the two productions demonstrated remarkable artistic sophistication and cultural depth, offering valuable narrative and aesthetic inspiration for South African filmmakers.

News of the Silk Road Cinema launch in South Africa was also widely covered by major African media outlets, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Independent Media South Africa, Global South News Network, Diplomatic Society South Africa, Zambia’s 5FM Radio, Nigeria’s Authority, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Gambia’s Current Times, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and Congo News Network.

According to organizers, the coverage reached an audience of more than 100 million people across the continent.

The initiative is being viewed as an important milestone in the expansion of Chinese cinema into Africa in 2026 and is expected to contribute to a new chapter in building a comprehensive China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Source: Anandi & Touhid, China Media Group (CMG).