A panel discussion at the online screening of the 4K-resolution documentary "The Amphitrite" held on March 9. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

An online film screening of the 4K-resolution documentary "The Amphitrite" was held on March 9, attended by experts, scholars and students from China and France.

The documentary is the first film to tell the story of The Amphitrite, which was the first French merchant ship to sail directly to China, 300 years ago. The ship docked at Guangzhou.

The two visits to Guangzhou made by The Amphitrite marked the beginning of marine trade between China and France. It brought the most advanced technologies and culture of the time to China and, in turn, took translations of many Chinese classics to European countries, contributing to early communication and mutual learning between the East and West in areas spanning culture, science and the arts. 

Guangzhou, a Chinese trading port that has never been closed, is also the important starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. 

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the former French Prime Minister and honoree of the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China, sent a congratulatory message ahead of the event, which spoke highly of the documentary's contribution in consolidating the friendship between China and France. 

"The documentary is not only a representative of Guangzhou's high-quality art but is also a new outcome of Sino-French cultural exchanges and cooperation," said Zhu Xiaoyi, director of the Guangzhou publicity department.

"We are looking forward to carrying out more cooperation with France in culture and the arts and to devoting efforts towards enhancing understanding and friendship between the two countries," added Zhu.