The London East Asia Film Festival has opened in the UK's capital city on October 19.

50 specially-curated films will be screened over 11 days at venues across central London, showing the UK audience the diversity of East Asian culture through films. 

The stars were arriving at the red-carpet for the international premiere of South Korean historical drama "The Fortress”. It marks the opening of the London East Asia Film Festival, which is in its second year.

Based on last year’s success, the Festival will bring a variety of films from China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian countries. It is a good opportunity for Londoners to experience cinema from across the region.

“We are living in London. We need to see more variety of films, particularly from East Asia, but unfortunately, there are not many chances to watch these films, plus we don't have many chances to meet the filmmakers, actors, actresses,” said Festival Director Hyejung Jeon, “Through the film festival platform, we want to bring not only the films but also filmmakers, producers and also actors, actresses, and to get the UK audience to understand Asian culture more.”

The latest works from some of East Asia’s most distinguished filmmakers will be showcased during the festival. One of the highlights is “Walking Past the Future” by Chinese filmmaker Li Ruijun. It was the only Chinese film screened in the official competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

“The film was completed in May and had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this year. This is the first time it will be shown in the UK,“ said Chinese film director Li Ruijun. “The organizers of the film festival watched it in Cannes. They liked the film very much and decided to bring it to the UK audience. The film will help them understand people’s lives in China, to feel their emotions and to learn Chinese culture.”

Audiences will be able to watch new and classic Hong Kong films in a special program that marks 20 years since Hong Kong's return to China. What’s more, the festival will also present special screenings celebrating a century of Japanese animation.

“There are a number of East Asian films in the London Film Festival. The London Film Festival has to cover the whole world, so it's not enough. So there is a real gap in terms of culture we are getting in London and the UK for this festival. It is such a brilliant selection of films. I am really excited to be seeing them for all over the region,” said Helen DeWitt, adviser of the British Film Institute (BFI).

The London East Asia Film Festival runs from the 19th to the 29th of October. It will close with “Outrage Coda", the latest yakuza film by Japanese legend "Beat" Takeshi Kitano.