IN Chinese action-comedy Pegasus 2 which premiered last February, a former motor racing champion Zhang Chi (played by Shen Teng) becomes a driving school instructor, relying on his reputation to make ends meet.
Driven out of the circuit as a result of a humiliating accident a year ago, he longs to make a comeback and gets a golden opportunity when the director of Laotoule Automobile Factory (Jia Bing) offers to sponsor a team to compete in the challenging Bayanbulak Rally.
This offer reignites the winning spark in Zhang, who summons his old friends Sun Yuqiang (Yin Zheng) and Ji Xing (Zhang Benyu), and they form a racing team with young driver Li Xiaohai (Fan Chengcheng) and driving school student Liu Xiande (Sun Yizhou) who always fails to pass his driving test.
This grassroots team overcomes many difficulties and eventually beats the odds to triumph in China's most challenging motor race.
Pegasus 2 is part of the China Film Festival 2024 which was officially launched at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on Oct 14.
Co-hosted by the China Film Archive, China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, and Chinese Film Association of Malaysia, with the support of the Communications Ministry, Chinese Embassy, National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and China Film Administration, the festival carries the theme Celebrating Five Decades Of Friendship With Splendours Of Chinese Cinema.
Marking the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and showcasing the deep cultural ties between the two countries' film industries, it was officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
The event was attended by the Embassy's Charge D'Affaires Zheng Xuefang, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, China Film Archive deputy director Lin Siwei, China Cultural Centre representative Li Hua, and China Film Association president Leonard Tee.
The China Film Festival features 12 selected films, a mix of Chinese classics and contemporary works, divided into three major units.
The Echoes Of Time unit presents Spiders, Third Sister Liu, and Red Sorghum, taking audiences on a journey through Chinese film history.
These films highlight the artistic breakthroughs and innovations of Chinese cinema while reflecting societal and cultural evolution across different eras.
The Dreamscape Of Chinese Animation unit showcases Chang An and New Gods: Yang Jian, combining modern visual effects with traditional Chinese culture to illustrate the rise of Chinese animation on the global stage.
The Story Walkway features contemporary films such as Never Say Never, Ping-Pong: The Triumph, and Pegasus 2, which offer compelling stories of the spirit of modern China.
Teo said that there had been a long history of film cooperation between China and Malaysia.
"The China Film Festival serves as a valuable platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas and foster greater collaboration," she said.
"Chinese cinema, with its rich history and diverse narratives, has long been an integral part of the global film community.
"I am pleased that Malaysia was chosen as one of the destinations to host the Festival. This is the second Festival being held in Malaysia, and I believe it will become an important platform to enhance greater people-to-people understanding and friendship between Malaysia and China."
Zheng said: "Film is the art of light and shadow, a reflection of reality, and a bridge between cultures. It has played a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and learning between peoples and cultures."
"Thanks to the outstanding achievements made by film professionals whose touching stories and profound themes have captivated people's hearts, China's film industry prospered in recent years impressing the world with new box office records and growing international impact."
Lin said: "Film is an important medium for documenting the development of civilisation and marking the changes of the times."
"It is also a vital platform for international cultural exchanges and cooperation.
"This year we present 12 films that cover a wide range of themes and styles, from early silent films to masterpieces and recent audience favourites.
"I sincerely hope that the Malaysian audience will enjoy these Chinese films and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese cinema."