Movie buffs in Beijing now have the opportunity to see over a dozen critically-acclaimed films from around the world. A tie-in film showcase is being held in the Chinese capital in the lead up to the announcement of winners at the Berlin Film Festival. Eighteen movies from China, Germany, and France will be screened during the showcase, entitled "Eyes on Berlin."

The film "Black Coal, Thin Ice" won the Golden Bear for best film in 2014. It's just one of the several movies featured at the film exhibition in Beijing.

Liao Fan was the first Chinese actor to win the Silver Bear honor, one of the most-coveted prizes in Europe's movie industry. He was awarded the prize for his role in "Black Coal, Thin Ice."

Recalling the time in Berlin three years ago, Liao still feels excited. "We completed the movie as expected, and then traveled all the way to Berlin for its premiere. The debut turned out to be well-received. At the time, I felt that was enough. I didn't even bother to care about awards."

Chinese movies have gained increasing popularity in recent years. They feature common human story lines and unique cultural threads that have started to appeal to people from different backgrounds.

The films featured in the "Eyes on Berlin" Film Exhibition are screened at three locations in Beijing, namely Goethe-Institute China, French Institute of China and Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. It runs through February 28.