French Ambassador on Sino-French cultural relations

Versailles celebrates Sino-French friendship

Exhibition displays individual portrayals of happiness

2014 marks the 50th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic ties. Cultural exchange has played a key role in maintaining and enhancing the two countries relationship. French Ambassador Madame Sylvie Bermann talks about the outlook of our cultural cooperation.

Several events so far this year have marked the half century of Sino-French diplomatic ties, including actress Sophie Marceau performing at CCTV's Spring Festival Gala in February.

"France and China are both cultural giants in the world and culture is part of the country's identity. We have many cultural exchanges, like this year's Festival Croisements, the biggest event celebrating French culture in the world. It offers a program throughout China in all artistic disciplines, from theater and music, to circus and all kinds of events. We have also celebrated Chinese culture in France two years ago, we had an exhibition in France about the Forbidden City. And for the 50th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, we've prepared an exhibition of cultural relics from the Han Dynasty. Also what interests us both is the film sector, and we welcome co-productions with China. In fact we have one that will be released next year called 'Wolf Totem' with a great French director Jean-Jacques Annaud," Madame Bermann said.

"Wolf Totem" depicts the dying culture of Mongol nomads and their near-mystical bond with wolves.

The book that the film is based on has sold more than 2 million copies and is one of the most read novels in China.