Decade of Partnership: Beijing TV Dramas & Movies Broadcasting Season in Africa launched in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: On November 18, 2024, the Beijing TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season in Africa kicked off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Organized by the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in cultural exchange between China and Africa, fostering deeper connections through audiovisual storytelling.

Attendees included representatives from the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, Tanzania’s Film Board, the Tanzania National Arts Council, Chinese enterprises in Africa, and local filmmakers. A Decade of Building Bridges in his address, Mr. Dong Dianyì, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, highlighted the journey that began a decade ago when the Overseas Season first launched in Africa.

Over the years, the initiative has become a key cultural bridge, strengthening China-Africa ties through television and film.

Director of the Film Industry Development of Film Board, Mr. Emmanuel Ndumukwa praised the collaboration, emphasizing the role of the Beijing initiative in translating Chinese dramas into Swahili, English, French, and Portuguese.

He noted the success of Welcome to Maile Village, which earned Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Special Contribution Award for advancing Sino-Tanzanian friendship.

Mr. Kedmon Mapana, Chair of the Tanzania National Arts Council, underscored the program’s role in promoting Swahili on the global stage and fostering cultural exchange.

He expressed hope for continued cooperation to enhance Tanzania’s film production capabilities and promote technical exchanges in audiovisual industries.

Chinese Stories on African SoilThe 2024 season brings a diverse selection of content, from inspiring youth dramas to historical epics and beloved animations. Highlights include:Our New Era – Celebrating modern aspirations.

Shuke and Beita – A classic animation appealing to younger audiences.Welcome to Maile Village – Commemorating six decades of China-Tanzania diplomatic ties and medical cooperation.

These stories aim to resonate with African audiences, enriching cross-cultural understanding and showcasing the vibrancy of contemporary Chinese society.

Expanding Digital HorizonsThis year’s event expands online outreach, leveraging platforms like the Scooper app to create a dedicated “Beijing Audiovisual” channel.

This digital expansion offers African viewers access to documentaries, promotional videos, and thematic content celebrating the program’s 10th anniversary.

From Broadcasts to Community EngagementSince 2014, the Overseas Season – Africa has reached audiences in 13 African nations, featuring 148 Chinese dramas dubbed into local languages such as Swahili, Hausa, and Portuguese.

Beyond TV broadcasts, the initiative includes on-the-ground activities like film dubbing contests, cultural caravans, and martial arts shows, bringing Chinese culture closer to African communities.

As the program celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to strengthen cultural bonds and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Beijing remains committed to using audiovisual media as a bridge, deepening China-Africa cooperation and forging a shared future.