The Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub on Friday opened a Chinese Film Festival at the famous Silverbird Cinemas in Victoria Island area of the state.

The two-day festival is being held to help Nigerian friends to understand Chinese culture, history, society and boost future cultural exchange and cooperation.

Over 400 people attended the first day of screening which also attracted state officials, lecturers, students and business executives.

In his opening speech, the Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Liu Kan, said films can make people share feelings and the event aimed to let local people know more about China through films, and expand cooperation in the film sector.

The envoy said the first event of this kind will help promote the relationship between the Chinese side and Nigeria to open "a window or door" for Nigerian friends to learn more about modern China through such films.

He told his audience that the Consulate was working hard on promoting communication between China and Nigeria.

"We introduce China's economy, history, culture, etiquette and so on through various kinds of activities such as open day, public lectures and artistic performances," he added.

On his part, Lawrence Akande, a lecturer with Nigeria's National Film Institute (NFI), said the knowledge of Chinese language would avail Nigerians the opportunity to communicate easily with their Chinese counterparts.

"This film will go along way to boost our ties with China, he added.

The opening film screened was the "Chinese Zodiac," an action/comedy movie featuring renowned Chinese actor and director Jackie Chan.

Other movies to be enjoyed by Nigerian movie fans includes "Confucius" and "Monkey King".

The former one tells the life story of Confucius, who is the greatest philosopher in Chinese history, the founder of Confucianism.

The other is the most well-renown Chinese mythic story.

The Chinese film festival that started on Friday ends on Saturday and is expected to draw thousands of fans.