The 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) lifted its curtain in Beijing on Saturday.

Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group (CMG) and Chairman of the 13th BJIFF Organizing Committee, announced the opening of the festival and delivered a speech. Mo Gaoyi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee, also attended the event and delivered a speech.

Shen said in his speech that a new phase of technological advances are developing rapidly in the film industry. He said the industry is also facing great opportunities and challenges, and that CMG aims to work together with filmmakers to embrace new technology, seize new opportunities and open up new spaces.

"CMG adheres to benchmarking excellent films and creating high-quality works. With the innovative concept of "ideas + art + technology," it will continue to release documentary films, 4K ultra-high-definition live-action movies, 4K ultra-high-definition color-restored films and is actively exploring the bi-directional development of television and movies," Shen added.

Mo Gaoyi expressed in his speech that Beijing, as the cultural center of China, is not only the birthplace of Chinese cinema but also the most dynamic city for the development of contemporary Chinese films. With its rich resources, cultural inclusiveness, strong creativity and an abundance of talent, Beijing has created a more open, active and professional ecological environment for the innovative development of the film industry.

This year, the number of films that registered for the Tiantan Award worldwide reached a record high of 1,488 entries from 93 countries and regions. Among them, foreign films accounted for more than 80 percent of the entries.

Chinese director Zhang Yimou served as the chairman of the international jury for the Tiantan Award at this year's event.

The 13th Beijing International Film Festival is offering a diverse range of activities, including offline events such as the "Tiantan Award" ceremony, screenings, forums, a film carnival, a college student film festival, and the closing and award ceremonies, as well as other related events.

This year, 15 films are competing for the Tiantan Award, and winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on April 29.