China-Africa film co-production shoots set for Mauritius and DR Congo

Two new China-Africa co-productions are set to thrill Chinese audiences with tales from Mauritius and the Democratic of Congo (DRC) while fostering film cooperation efforts.

Plans are afoot to shoot the two movies next year, with film locations in both China and Africa.

The African Film Association in China's Luc Bendza says the film shoots are expected to last two-to-three months next year and that they are continuing to secure funding for the projects.

Romance film "Love in Mauritius" and DRC-set "Terres D'Acier, Ames De Cristal" (Land of Steel, Souls of Crystal) are expected to go into production and have pre-shoot exposure at the upcoming Guangzhou Film Industry Expo and Trade Fair in late September this year.

"Love in Mauritius" tells the story of a woman in China who feels unhappy about her life and decides to travel to the island country of Mauritius. There she meets a man who turns out to be a kind of angel, played by Bendza. He gives her advice and talks to her about hope. While in Mauritius, she also meets a Chinese love interest who works there as a driving instructor, but she feels apprehensive about him.

Meanwhile, "Terres D'Acier, Ames De Cristal" explores how the DRC's resources benefit people from elsewhere and not its locals. In the plot, a teacher from China is sent to the country to teach the Chinese language and she is exposed to the realities of life there.

"She is taken inside of what is really going on in the country. We will shoot in China and the DRC, and it will have Chinese cast members," says Bendza.

"The film will be shot in the DRC next summer. The DRC is also giving a lot of support for this movie. The director, Joseph Kumbela, lives in Switzerland but he is from the DRC, and he is getting support from Switzerland," added Bendza.

While unravelling its story of love and hope, "Love in Mauritius" will highlight Mauritius' popular vacation spots. Bendza says that this will help to boost relations between China and Mauritius in terms of tourism and introduce the country's attractions to Chinese audiences. The film will be directed Chinese director and screenwriter Lu Qingying.

"This film has support from both Mauritius and China. We have logistics support for our shoot in Mauritius next year… It will be filmed in Shanghai and in Mauritius. The film brings good opportunities for both China and Mauritius in Africa to create more cultural and movie industry exchange," said Bendza.

Bendza said that he hopes that these movies will help boost collaboration between the film industries in China and Africa.  

"We expect that through these movies, the people of China and Africa can learn more about each other… We have a lot of stories, both China and Africa, but directors on both sides don't go to the other place. This is the barrier we need to cut up. Both have to sit down and look for new collaborative projects and create stories that can benefit both sides."