Dunedin is set to play host to the first ever official China Film Festival in March and April this year.
Six new release films will be shown at the event which is to be held at the Regent Theatre from March 31 to April 2.
The Dunedin City Council partnered with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Shanghai office along with the Shanghai Art Film Festival (SAFF) to secure the movies.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said the festival was a "major coup" for the city and another way to showcase the strong relationship between Dunedin and its Chinese sister city.
"It is also an opportunity to further develop creative, cultural and commercial collaboration between Dunedin and our sister city Shanghai," he said.
The idea for the festival came about after a New Zealand film festival was held in Shanghai last year featuring movies filmed in Otago such as An Angel at My Table and In My Father's Den.
Due to the close links between the cities, the SAFF wanted to reciprocate with a film to be held in Dunedin, Mr Cull said.
Political and film industry representatives from China will make the trip over for the festival.
Enterprise Dunedin director John Christie said it was also a great way to show off Dunedin.
"These are major players in one of the world's largest economies. To have them visit Dunedin is a great chance to facilitate relationships with local film industry representatives," he said.
We will also be promoting the festival nationally and overseas particularly to the Chinese communities in Australia, Mr Christie said.
The China Film Festival will open March 31 with a red carpet at the Regent Theatre, a mayoral reception and there were plans for celebrations at the Octagon.
The six subtitled films that will feature in the festival are Farewell My Concubine, IP Man 3, Soul Mate, Cock & Bull, Shanghai Park and Time Raiders which will be screened over three days.
- Tickets prices start from $15 and will be available from The Regent Theatre and online from Ticket Direct and the Regent Theatre's website from next week.
