On Friday, Nov. 1, the documentary "Kung Fu Dream" premiered in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, inviting an audience of nearly 300 people who came to witness the story of a Cameroonian martial artist’s journey to China.
The film, co‑produced by the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University and Zhejiang Zhuowei Film and Television Culture Co., Ltd., follows the true story of Rodrigue Tene Taling, who travelled across the globe to China to learn martial arts and pursue his lifelong dream.
In his remarks, Martin Valere Oyono Bitounou, a representative of the Cameroonian Ministry of Arts and Culture, said the film showcased the vitality of Africa‑China cultural exchanges.
"Cameroon and China have every reason to continue deepening cultural exchanges, allowing the two peoples to better understand each other, share experiences and jointly build a new future," Bitounou told the press during the event.
Director and lead actor Rodrigue Tene Taling, who also serves as executive director of the Center for African Film and Television at Zhejiang Normal University, expressed that kung fu is not merely a martial art, but a common language that fosters encounters, mutual respect and friendly exchanges among people of all nations.
"I hope the film conveys a core belief that kung fu is more than a martial art; it is a common language,” Taling said. "It builds bridges and encourages mutual respect across cultures.
Officials welcomed the documentary as a tangible example of people‑to‑people ties and a shared cultural future between China and African nations, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding through shared traditions.
