Why it matters:
The festival is one of Iran’s key cultural diplomacy initiatives in West Africa, using cinema to strengthen ties between Asian nations and Nigeria while promoting peace, mutual understanding, and shared cultural heritage.
The big picture:
Cultural diplomacy has become an increasingly important tool for Asian nations seeking to expand engagement in Africa. Through film, countries such as Iran, China, Japan, and South Korea aim to highlight their civilizations, deepen people-to-people ties, and foster long-term cooperation with Nigeria’s creative industry.
What they’re saying:
Yang Jiang-Shing, Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre:
Praised the Iranian Embassy for initiating the festival.
Said the event “boosts mutual friendship, love, and cultural exchange” between Asia and Africa.
Described cinema as a powerful cultural tool that reflects a nation’s identity and way of life.
Ambassador Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria:
Expressed gratitude for the presence of ambassadors and diplomatic mission heads.
“Today, we are gathered not only to celebrate cinema, but also cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship among nations,” he said.
Emphasized cinema’s ability to “transcend borders, languages, and politics” and reveal humanity’s shared connections.
Key points:
- The Asian Film Festival was created by Iran’s Embassy and is now in its seventh year.
- Diplomats from Iran, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries attended the opening ceremony.
- Films from multiple Asian nations, as well as Nigeria, will be screened over the next two days.
- The festival aims to enhance Asia–Africa cultural cooperation and provide industry exposure in Nigeria.
State of play:
The festival highlights Iran’s active role in promoting cultural dialogue in Africa, reinforcing its soft-power presence amid global competition for influence on the continent.
Go deeper:
Cinema has long been a bridge between cultures, especially in regions with shared historical experiences. By showcasing films from Asia and Nigeria together, the festival encourages cross-regional storytelling and strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties across continents.
Hossein Vaez - A.Akbari
