On March 9, the online film screening panel on The Amphitrite, a 4K full-length documentary, was held in Guangzhou. More than 100 experts, scholars and students from China and France reviewed the history of exchange between China and France via the documentary. They also conducted dialogues on topics such as exchange and mutual learning between civilizations.

The online film screening panel on The Amphitrite was held in Guangzhou on March 9. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Over 300 years ago, The Amphitrite traveled twice to Guangzhou. In addition to trade, it also brought then the most advanced western science and culture to China.

Meanwhile, a great number of Chinese classics were translated and introduced to Europe through the exchange. The Amphitrite has made an indelible contribution to the early exchange and mutual learning of culture, science and art between China and the West.

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French Prime Minister, recipient of the Medal of Friendship sent his greetings. “The Amphitrite has consolidated the friendship and bilateral relation between China and France. I look forward to watching this documentary in France. I hope you will keep up your efforts in telling the wonderful story of friendship between China and France through this documentary.”

Li Lin, Director of this documentary, explained that since its premiere in September 2020, it has attracted wide attention from audiences at home and abroad. Representatives of Sciences Po Alumni, have contacted her team to jointly launch the online film screening panel.

Li Lin, Director of The Amphitrite. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

In March 1698, the Amphitrite sailed to China. It was the first French merchant ship to sail directly to Guangzhou. In March 2016, the moment Li Lin learned about the story of the Amphitrite, she was deeply attracted by the story. In her mind, the Amphitrite featured not only a merchant ship for ocean-going trade, but also a ship of civilization exchange and friendship.

Having watched the documentary, Zheng Lihua, professor in French language at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, emphasized the importance of direct contact for exchange of cultures. He has also won the honor of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques.

Zheng Lihua, professor in French language at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

In his view, the cultural exchange between different countries is enabled by direct contact, through which we can improve the cultural exchange from four levels:

Direct contact can enable us to better understand a culture just as the process of knowing a stranger. The second level can help us renew our understanding of a culture. The third level has to do with the understanding of ourselves and our own culture. And, last but not least, the direct interaction between different cultures can help us open up our eyes and expand our horizons.

Thierry Meynard, Sun Yat-sen University philosophy department professor coming from France has participated in the filming. He comments, "Through this documentary, we become familiar with a lot of new materials. We can learn more about history.”

Thierry Meynard, Sun Yat-sen University philosophy department professor. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Sino-French exchange boasts a long history. Compared to books, the documentary can show the audience the exchange between China and France in a variety of fields in a more direct way. He hopes the documentary will be broadcast on French television as soon as possible.

The Amphitrite also won the "Best Documentary Series Award" at the 2020 Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival.

Zhu Xiaoyi, deputy Director-General of the Guangzhou Publicity Department. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Zhu Xiaoyi, deputy Director-General of the Guangzhou Publicity Department, said that The Amphitrite is not only a masterpiece of film and television presented by Guangzhou, but also another great example of the fruits of cultural exchange and cooperation between China and France in the new era.

Author | Hannah

Editor | Keane, Jerry