The Slovak version of the Chinese documentary L.E. HUDEC premiered on Monday at the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.

The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, the China Media Group (CMG), and the Chinese Embassy in Slovakia.

The film tells the story of Hungarian architect Ladislav Hudec, who was born in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. After fleeing the turmoil of World War I, he settled in Shanghai in 1918, and went on to help shape the skyline of what would later become China's largest metropolis.

Shen Haixiong, president of CMG, delivered a video address to the event. He said that Hudec was a witness to the friendship between China and Slovakia.

"In that war-torn era, this Slovak architect chose to stay in Shanghai, bringing light and hope to people through the beauty of his art," Shen said. "This reminds us that China and Slovakia are not only good partners today, but also true friends who have stood the test of time."

Hudec designed nearly 70 buildings in Shanghai, 27 of which are now recognized as outstanding historical landmarks. Among his iconic works are the Park Hotel, once the tallest building in Asia, the Grand Theater, the Moore Memorial Church and the wedge-shaped Wukang Building, formerly known as the Normandie Apartments.

The documentary will air during prime time on Slovak Television's second channel from September 28 to October 26.

Shen added that CMG will continue to serve as a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Slovakia, and looks forward to working with Slovak partners to deepen people-to-people cooperation.

"Today, as we commemorate Hudec, we are also paying tribute to all those who have advanced bilateral cooperation in various fields," said Chinese Ambassador to Slovakia Cai Ge who attended the event.

"With the China-Slovakia strategic partnership now entering the fast lane, we believe cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two sides will grow even richer," Cai said.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic Mario Maruska also attended the event. He said the documentary vividly demonstrates the charm of cross-cultural integration and will serve as a bridge for deepening mutual understanding and cooperation between Slovakia and China.

Produced by the China Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio (Group) of CMG, the documentary is part of the CMG's efforts to promote cultural exchanges between China and Slovakia.

As the world's largest comprehensive media group, CMG boasts the most diverse range of business forms and the widest coverage.