#China #Beijing #Marco Polo #Massimo Bray #China Italy

Exploring Cultural Exchange: Italy and China's Dynamic Partnership in Arts and Entertainment

Cultural exchanges between Italy and China have taken on renewed vigor, especially in light of special anniversaries that celebrate historical figures like Marco Polo. Massimo Bray, former Culture Minister of Italy, recently discussed this dynamic relationship in an interview with the Global Times. As an iconic facilitator of East-West dialogue, Marco Polo's legacy is being leveraged to strengthen cultural ties in various sectors, such as film, television, and gaming.

A Legacy of Exchange

The year 2024 marked 700 years since Marco Polo's death, a significant milestone that has invigorated cultural initiatives between the two nations. Bray, in his visit to Beijing, reflected on the flourishing exchanges that occurred this year, emphasizing the important role of shared artistic endeavors. Among these, the Italian ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti, highlighted Marco Polo as a figure that continues to inspire modern cultural projects, including an ongoing cooperation mechanism between China and Italy.

Film and Television: A Medium for Understanding

One major area of cultural exchange has been film and television. Bray pointed to the recent adaptation of Liu Cixin’s sci-fi novel, The Three-Body Problem, lauding it as a means to enhance Italian audiences' comprehension of the innovative dynamics within China's entertainment landscape. He noted a growing interest among Italians for contemporary Chinese film and TV productions, suggesting a two-way flow of cultural appreciation.

China, in turn, has welcomed Italian cinema with open arms. Events like the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival provided a platform for audiences to engage with Italian arthouse films such as Her Second Chance. Emerging from a burgeoning production company, Articolture, this film was described by film expert Xiao Sujun as a catalyst for introducing current Italian cinematic themes to Chinese viewers.

Bray elaborated that the collaboration in film production serves as a conduit for reducing cultural gaps between Italy and China. Upcoming co-productions are already in the pipeline, including a film set for release in 2030 that involves scenes shot in both Shanghai and Rome under the support of both nations' cultural ministries.

Gaming: Bridging Generational Gaps

Apart from visual media, the gaming sector has proved influential in fostering connections between young people in both countries. Bray focused on the notable success of the video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the Chinese classic, Journey to the West. This game is pivotal, as it exemplifies how effectively the Chinese gaming industry integrates traditional narratives with innovative technologies—a characteristic that resonates well within global entertainment hubs.

To bolster collaboration in this sector, the Guangdong Entertainment Game Industry Association engaged with Italian counterparts at the Rome Video Game Lab 2024, offering insights into the gaming market landscape, distribution, and operational platforms in Italy.

Art Shows: Celebrating Shared Heritage

The artistic dialogue between the countries finally was showcased through exhibitions like A Journey of Knowledge: The Travels of Marco Polo and Their Legacy between East and West. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended this art show in China and remarked on the lively nature of the bilateral exchanges.

Bray concluded that cultural exchanges between Italy and China have long been characterized by mutual respect and promise of fruitful results. As both nations continue to explore their respective artistic traditions while fostering new partnerships in modern sectors, the future looks bright for intercultural understanding and collaboration through the arts, entertainment, and beyond.

As the complexities of globalization unfold, mutual cultural respect blossoms, paving the way for a new era of international collaboration.