Shanghai Film Festival kicks off

The 11th Shanghai International Film Festival is underway with its theme "The Power of Filmmakers and the Light of Life". Leading directors, actors and actresses have been making use of their star-power to assist in the Sichuan relief effort. The pinnacle of the festival comes Sunday evening with the presentation of the "Jin Jue Award." This year's ceremony has been simplified over previous years, to show respect for victims of the earthquake.

A special short-feature opened the festival. The short was a showcase of human wisdom and courage in the face of disaster through the ages. Hong Kong director Won Kar-wai, the foreman of this year's jury spoke about "disaster, humanity and filmmakers". He appealed to all in the film industry to take greater responsibility and make a real contribution to society.

As a tribute to those lost in the May 12th earthquake and to those still struggling in the aftermath, the stars took a "Walk of Love," as they entered along the red carpet. Over three hundred film stars have been participated. All have shown great concern for the reconstruction of Sichuan. Among them are action superstar Jackie Chan and actress Zhang Ziyi.

The official opening film for the festival is the documentary "Olympic Dreamers". Entered in this year's competition are nearly 11-hundred films from 78 countries and regions. That's a record. Here's another: the festival will see more international and Asian premieres than ever before. 16 films will enter the final competition for this year's Jin Jue Award.