By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr Yang Jianxing, has expressed delight over China’s participation in this year’s Duma International Film Festival in Abuja, describing it as a platform to deepen cultural ties and inspire new ambitions among Nigerian audiences.

The documentary, Shenzhou 13, premiered on Wednesday in Abuja, drawing filmmakers, students, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the diplomatic community.

Speaking at the event, Mr Yang said China was honoured to present the film, which he described as a powerful visual record of the country’s journey into space.

He explained that the work captures China’s pursuit of space exploration and the progress made through years of dedication.

He said: “We are very honoured to be invited to participate in the Duma International Film Festival this time. Today, we have the honour to showcase a wonderful Chinese documentary film which is named Shenzhou 13.

“It was a very excellent film work and also it is a very nice recording of our pursuit to the space, to the universe.”

Mr Yang added that the Chinese delegation hoped the film would strengthen cultural appreciation between both countries and inspire Nigeria’s own ambitions in space technology.

Reflecting on China’s long journey into space, he noted that the achievement was built over decades of persistence and national commitment.

He said: “I hope that through today’s event, Nigerian friends can feel the friendship and our sincere heart to wish your country in the near future, you can also reach the space, make your space dream to be the reality.

“Chinese space dream has started, I think, 50 or 70 years before. It means a long march. China was a very poor country. But if we don’t give up our dream and gather our very hard-working and smart scientists and the very skilled staffs, we can make the difficulty to be the reality.”

Mr Yang expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses similar potential.

He said: “Nigerian people, you have the very great potential. So I really wish your country also, just like China, reach, make your dream to be the reality.”

The documentary, A Documentary of Blue Earth Recorded by Chinese Astronauts from the Space Station, was directed by Zhu Yiran and presented under its Chinese title 窗外蓝屋.

It offers rare footage captured from China’s space station during the Shenzhou mission, highlighting Earth’s beauty from orbit and the work of astronauts aboard the station.