The exhibition tour is part of events lined up for the 60th anniversary of China-Kenya diplomatic relations.
By Helena Olori
China Media Group (CMG), in partnership with the Government of Kenya, on Wednesday May 31st launched an animation exhibition tour called the “Twinkle Star Project” in Nairobi. The project aims to bring original Chinese cartoons and documentaries to schools in Kenya for screening.
The launching ceremony, held at the UON Tower in Nairobi, is part of the 60th anniversary of China-Kenya diplomatic relations, and was presided over by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Peninah Malonza. The event was attended by dignitaries from the Kenyan Government, representatives from international organisations, the Chinese communities in Kenya, and enthusiastic school children from Nairobi.
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According to Malonza, the Twinkle Star Project’s various programs will undoubtedly provide an invaluable boost to Africa-China cultural cooperation. She added that, “The project will provide an opportunity to market destination Kenya and increase visitations from the Chinese source market, thus boosting Kenya’s tourism earnings.”
Among the selected CMG cartoons are two remarkable creations. The first is Monkey King, based on the legendary character from the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, while Zhang Qian, the Envoy tells the story of a Chinese official whose journey outside of China over 2100 years ago played a crucial role in the creation of the ancient Silk Road.
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In addition to films’ screenings, the Twinkle Star Project also hosted an engaging painting competition on social issues as a way of fostering cultural cooperation and enhance the artistic talents of both Chinese and African children.
“We also hope that this will be a platform for them to express themselves and build their potential in delivering stories from Kenya as well as the Eastern Africa region. We want to see the next generation of animators and possible filmmakers,” says Churchill Otieno, the Executive Director of Eastern Africa Editors Society.
Supported by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, and local media houses, the Twinkle Star Project initiative will run throughout the year.