Chinese Film Festival opens in London
中國國際電影節在倫敦開幕

The second China International Film Festival in London has begun with a gala ceremony at Central Hall in Westminster. The festival aims to promote Chinese films to British audiences.

The star-studded evening was attended by movie stars, directors and pop stars, including Yang Mi, Nick Cheung, Peter Chan and Shang Wenjie.

As the ambassador promoting the festival, Yang Mi says she will do her best to help Chinese films gain more influence in the UK, and talk to her fans in London.

"I feel so honored to be named as the ambassador of the festival. I’d like to take this chance to share with all the audiences some of the best Chinese movies and the spirit of Chinese filmmakers," Yang said.

As 2014 draws to an end, it is also time for the stars to round up their year and look forward to the next.

Director Peter Chan has confirmed he has been working on the screenplay for his new film in 2015. And he is grateful that Dearest was a box office hit this year.

"This year, I feel very satisfied, because I really enjoyed the film I made. I had very good feedback. I feel fulfilled by this years’ work," he said.

Rob Minkoff, Director of the Lion King, revealed plans to produce an animated film in collaboration with Chinese producers.

"This particular film is kind of action comedy with animal characters. I think it’s a fun story, a hero’s journey," he said.

Actor Nick Cheung says winning Best Actor at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards was an important moment for him and he hopes the upcoming New Year blockbuster From Vegas To Macau 2 will continue his success.

"The movie has a very elaborate plot. Especially the parts of drifting with Chow Yun-fat and playing with the little girl Wang Shiling, It’s a lot of fun," he said.

Productions such as Dearest, But Always and Break Up Buddies will be presented during the week-long festival in London.

The organizers say this event is a Christmas gift to the British people.

The second Chinese International Film Festival London will bring some of the most popular Chinese movies of 2014 to British audiences. The festival also includes the China UK Film Summit, which will play a big role in connecting Chinese movies to the UK.