China’s Initial Indian Film Festival: A Historical Overview

• China hosted the Indian Republic Film Week from October 17 to 23, 1955.

• The event featured a 12-member delegation of Indian film industry professionals, led by Prithviraj Kapoor.

• Premier Zhou Enlai welcomed the delegation, marking the first time China had started dubbing Indian films.

• The festival’s impact on the Indian film delegation and Sino-Indian cultural exchanges was highlighted.

• Mass Film, founded in 1950, was the oldest and most influential film culture publication in China.

• The 19th issue of Mass Film in 1955 was a special issue for the Indian Film Week.

• Chinese writers and directors expressed enthusiasm for the new independent India.

• Chinese director Cai Chusheng celebrated the “Indian Film Week” in an article.