Rolling out the Red Carpet: Stars descend for 9th Beijing International Film Festival

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This year's Beijing International Film Festival has kicked off. Despite being one of China's youngest film events, it certainly knows how to dazzle. CGTN's Shen Li brings us the sizzling scenes from the opening of the festival's 9th edition.

About 300 guests from both home and abroad graced the red carpet at the State Production Base of China Film Group, in Beijing's Huairou District.

Hailed as "the rose of France," actress Sophie Marceau stunned the crowd with an elegant black gown, making her debut at the Beijing event.

This year's international jury for the top Tiantan Awards also turned heads. It's presided by American director Rob Minkoff, best known for his work directing Disney's 1994 smash hit "The Lion King."

Adding to the glitz and glam are the cast and crew from some of the movies being shown at the event, including Canadian animal trainer Andrew Simpson.

The opening ceremony featured an array of performances including Peking Opera and ballet. This officially kicked off the competition for the festival's top Tiantan Award. A total of 15 titles are in the race, and the winner will be announced in a week's time.

SHEN LI BEIJING "The festival will again play host to a series of panel discussions covering such topics as the development of art-house filmmaking in China, India-China co-production, developing film stories for streaming platforms. It runs till April 20th. SL, CGTN, BJ."