The poster of the film Mulan inspired by the story of Hua Mulan.

The China Cultural Centre is presenting a film week celebrating women. The first film to be shown is the adventure story Mulan.

The well-known tale of Hua Mulan, a heroine who disguises herself as a man to stand in for her father and join the army in the Northern Wei Dynasty has been adapted for this film.

When Mulan first joins the army, her commander, Wentai, is impressed by her martial skills. However, the danger of her secret identity being revealed becomes a growing threat to her position. Mulan and Wentai fight alongside each other and are both eventually promoted. As time goes by, they came to have tender feelings for each other.

Nevertheless, their dream of tying the knot is shattered by the emperor’s decree that his daughter was to marry Commander Wentai in order to end the war.

■ The film, suitable for those aged over 12, is being shown at the China Cultural Centre in Valletta this evening at 6.30pm. The film is in Mandarin with English subtitles. Entrance is free but one can reserve a seat by sending an e-mail to maltaccc@gmail.com.