15歲的上海電影節過去總是被有意無意地拿去跟幾個舉辦了超過半世紀的A類電影節相比，硬件、軟件建設程度不可同日而語，不過開幕式是絕對輸不了的：因為它總是反“傳統”在第一天出場最大化明星的分量和數量，而閉幕式倒反而真正屬于入圍競賽的電影。

In Shanghai, movie critics and fans eyes are all focused on the Shanghai International Film Festival. Hundreds of filmmakers and big screen stars from around the world have arrived for the event. Apart from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet ceremony, CCTV reporter Mu Fangzhou has more about the opening film, "Painted Skin 2".
More than 400 international and local filmmakers, actors, and celebrities have attended the opening ceremony at Shanghai’s Grand Theatre. "The Dark Knight" sidekick Aaron Eckhart, South Korean actor Jang Dong-gun, Japanese heartthrob Masaharu Fukuyama were among the stars on the red carpet, along with Chinese stars Jackie Chan, Tony Leung, Zhao Wei and Chen Kun.
The festival’s appeal lies in the number of entries competing for the Golden Goblet Award. 17 films from 16 countries have been selected.
French Director Jean-Jacques Annaud chairs the jury panel for the award. Jury members include Iranian director Rakhshan Banietemad, Chinese-American producer Terence Chang, Hungarian director Gyorgy Palfi, American actress Heather Graham, Chinese actress Li Bingbing and director Zhang Yang.
Mu Fangzhou said, "The red carpet ceremony marks the start of the film festival. 28 cinemas across Shanghai will play their part by screening all the entries. "
"Painted Skin 2" has selected as the festival opener. The Chinese fantasy sequel picks up where the 2008 award winner left off, setting the story in a mythological ancient realm, with high-octane fight scenes, special effects and elaborate costumes.
Wuershan, Director of "Painted Skin 2: The Resurrection", said, "I am so honored that my work is coming back to our home country, and is having this grand premiere in Shanghai, this really means a lot to us. I sincerely hope that everyone’s gonna love this film."
Although hoping to drum up international interest, the movie is quintessentially Chinese, and differs from many western fantasies for its Asian roots and aesthetics.
15 events in 19 years. The Shanghai International Film Festival has become an important platform especially for Asian films, attracting critical and commercial interests, and promoting them on the basis of their artistic quality. So cast aside your doubt and prepare yourself for an eight-day extravaganza of movie magic.