Published on 19/06/2025
Produced by StarTimes’ Sino Drama Channel, Behind the Scenes has become a
cultural phenomenon across Africa! This innovative program decodes Qing Dynasty
traditions through hit Chinese palace dramas, offering African viewers a captivating
lens into China’s heritage.
Edutainment Redefined
Hosted by Zimbabwean star Hildah Mandigo, each 15-minute episode blends
witty commentary, drama clips, and expert insights. Cultural scholars like Prof. Cao
Wen (Renmin University) dissect imperial rituals, while Gabonese martial arts master
Luc Bendza demonstrates ancient sports like diabolo (“kōngzhú”). From royal cuisine
to concubine hierarchies, the show transforms historical complexities into engaging
segments.
Bridging Civilizations
The program highlights cultural parallels: Comparing Qing official ranks with
African tribal structures, or linking mooncake symbolism to African harvest
traditions. Tailored for African audiences, it explores shared values—like family
honor in costume customs—sparking cross-continent dialogues. Airing Saturday at
17:00 GMT, with repeats at 17:00 GMT the following day on ST Sino Drama and
StarTimes ON APP, it reaches households in Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.
Expanding Influence
Since its premiere, Behind the Scenes has won acclaim from multiple media
reports across Africa. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions, and Kenyan
viewers commented: “So many cultural details were hidden in Chinese palace
dramas!” The program’s model combining “film/series + in-depth cultural
interpretation” has improved African audiences’ understanding of Chinese history by
47% (StarTimes 2025 survey data).
Join the Journey
Ready to explore the stories behind the screen? Tune in to ST Sino Drama every
Saturday at 17:00 GMT. Stream past episodes anytime via StarTimes ON
APP—where culture meets curiosity!
