The 21st Shanghai International Film Festival has officially started.

The event runs for 10 days and showcases 500 films from around the world. Organizers got more than 3,400 applications from more than 100 countries. A "Belt and Road Film Week" will be held to screen around 150 films produced by countries participating in the initiative.  Round-table discussions will also be held. "The Belt and Road" Unit was first launched in 2015, aiming to increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges.  Shen Haixiong, the president of China Media group, spoke at the opening ceremony.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "As China's only non-specialized, competitive international film festival, the Shanghai International Film Festival bears the responsibility of promoting the extensive exchange of films and promoting their diverse development. Since its establishment in 1993, it has always provided a platform for global filmmakers, newcomers, and audiences to experience Chinese and foreign film culture. It's now developed into an activity with wide international influence and reputation. This year's film festival will upgrade the mechanism of film festival cooperation along the Belt and Road, promote cultural exchanges, expand the circle of friends, and build the consensus of a community with a common destiny. It will also continue to devote itself to serving all friends participating in the festival, with more activities, convenience, and a comfortable environment to enhance the experience."