The 10th Beijing International Film Festival kicks off on August 22
CGTN
The 10th Beijing International Film Festival kicks off at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing, August 22, 2020. /CGTN

The 10th Beijing International Film Festival kicks off at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing, August 22, 2020. /CGTN

The 10th Beijing International Film Festival kicked off at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing on Saturday, 34 days after the reopening of domestic cinemas which were shut down due to coronavirus pandemic.

Yan Xiaoming, vice president of China Media Group (CMG), announced the launch of the film festival themed "In Pursuit of a Shared Dream." The launch ceremony reviewed the development of the Beijing Film Festival over the past ten years, and displayed the blessing videos from well-known filmmakers.

Government officials, heads of film companies, filmmakers and actors attended the launch ceremony, including actor and the film's image ambassador Wu Jing, and film director Zhang Yimou.

Yan Xiaoming, vice president of China Media Group (CMG), announces the launch of the 10th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, August 22, 2020. /CGTN

Yan Xiaoming, vice president of China Media Group (CMG), announces the launch of the 10th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, August 22, 2020. /CGTN

As the coronavirus pandemic is still raging in other parts of the world, the festival is holding both online and offline activities, but the red carpet of opening ceremony, Tiantan Awards ceremony, film carnival, and other activities were cancelled for safety reasons.

The festival will bring more than 300 domestic and overseas films to be screened, and roll out for the first time the online screenings featuring 250 films and TV screenings featuring 20 films.

More than 10 themed forums and other events will also be held, with the topics ranging from the film's development in 5G era to Sino-foreign film co-production.

For the film trade, an online investment exhibition was built by using 3D+VR technology. Free exhibition stands are offered to exhibitors all over the world.

This year's film festival is hosted by CMG and People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and lasts till August 29.

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