By Priscilla Osaje, News Agency of Nigeria,  Abuja.

Mr Jeon Juho, Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) has commended Asian countries for the effective sustainance of Asian Film Festival, describing it as windows into the lives, struggles, dreams and hopes ofmpeople from different walks of life.

Juho stated this at the opening of the 7th Asian Film Festival 2025 in Abuja on Tuesday

The KCCN boss also described the event as a platform designed to foster understanding by allowing  cross cultural experiences through the richness of Asian cinema.

Juho recalled that the first Asian Film Festival was held on July 3, 2017, adding that the participants sustained the festival as they gathered due to their mutual appreciation for culture and shared values.

According to him, the mutual  appreciation  for culture and shared value does not only reflect in Asian’s countries societies, but in the aspect of their films.

“This year, Korea’s submitted movie  titled” The Way Home”, a gentle heartfelt Korean film that beautifully showcased rural culture and universal family bonds that earned both domestic and international acclaim.

“In fact, all the films this year tell powerful, character-driven stories about family, connection and personal growth,  illuminated through a distinct cultural lens of our various countries.

“So, let us remember that these stories whether set in busy cities or quiet villages are more than just entertainment.

“They are windows into the lives, struggles, dreams, and hopes of people from different walks of life,  but  the ultimate realities  is that we all share common goal,” he said.

Juho commended Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of  China Cultural Center for volunteeringly providing Chinese Culture Center as venue for the 2025  Asian Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Jianxing, in his remarks described the Festival as an historic event aimed at deepening Asian civilisation and African civilisation.

“Culture is our food,  film is a very important part of the culture through  which we can know  other country people’s culture.

“I can say that we are the same, but  a  little different lifestyles, due to  the way  we express ourselves  by  ensuring that we know  ourselves in our society and today’s world,” he said.

According to him, this event will create good opportunity for great and friendly Nigerian people for Asian countries  to know what kind of cultures do Asian countries have.

“First of all,  I have to express my gratitude to all ambassadors, esteemed embassies and  countries. This year is seventh edition of Asian Film Festival and every year your embassies are very passionate to gather to show Asian beauty.

“We want to say thank you to Korea embassy and KCCN for the great work they are doing at the background as well as  their short movie.

 “The Chinese embassy and the China Culture Center are going to showcase a very humorous film just like you watched .

“The film is a very good symbol for the culture exchange,  because the director and the actors are from China,  but we used some Korean ideas,” he added.

He noted that Chinese society and the other Asian country societies and everyone present could  through the event feel the beauty of their friendship.

Also speaking, Mr Kozaki Hitoshi, Charge  D’ Affaires, Embassy of Japan, said that Asian produced a wide range of its cinematic works, rooted in its long history and culture.

“Asian Film Festival holding here in Nigeria where film industry is highly developed and knowledge  has gained attention on the global stage.

“It provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to experience a cinematic cultures,  cultures of Asian  that  deepen future understanding.

” I hope as many resilient friends as possible should become more familiar with Asian films and develop a deeper interest in Asia’s diverse cultures through this film festival,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Gholamreza Mahdavi Raga, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, said the event  does not only celebrate cinema, but also cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and friendship among nations.

Raga hailed all the participating countries, especially China, Japan, Republic of Korea and Turkey for their meaningful contributions,  which have made this festival a truly international culture.

According to him, the festival, which was originally established years ago through the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, represented a collective effort and successful  example of cultural cooperation among Asian’s  nations.

He added that culture and art were the universal language of humanity and cinema holds a special place among them

“Film has a unique power to tell the stories that transit borders, languages and politics. Through cinema, we are able to see the world through the eyes of others.

“We have discovered how deeply connected we are as a human being, because films are not merely image and sounds, but reflections of societies, expressions of human emotions and brains of understanding between people and nations,” he said.

The ambassador added that in a world that increasingly needs dialogue, empathy and peace, cultural events like this festival play a vital role.

According to him,  the film festival  also helps  to break down barriers, strengthen mutual respect and bring cultures closer together.

“We firmly believe that cinema and cultural exchange can contribute significantly to stronger relations among our nations and build lasting bounds between our people.

“I express my sincere gratitude to the organisers, partners, sponsors, filmmakers, and everyone who contributed to making this festival possible and audience for your presence and your support.

“I sincerely hope that this festival can inspire new perspectives, deeper friendship and sustainable cultural cooperation,” he said.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA