Chinese Films Open at Pusan Film Fest

With a dozen movies hitting the screens in Pusan, Chinese filmmakers are determined to wow moviegoers at the film festival.

Of all the Chinese movies, "Chengdu, I Love You!" has received the most audience applause.

"I just watched 'Chengdu, I Love You!' I feel Chinese people have a special interest in love. You know, it's made skillfully and delicately by the director. I'm deeply touched."

"Through this movie, I can see the characters help each other when their friends sustain psychological wounds. The director depicted the story vividly."

"Chengdu, I Love You!" portrays Chinese love stories centered on the city of Chengdu over a half-century period. Last month, the movie had its world premiere screening at the Venice International Film Festival.

Meanwhile, South Korean movie insiders have also spoken highly of the development of Chinese films in recent years.
Kim Tae-Man is a professor at Korea Maritime University.

"The Chinese film industry is developing rapidly. It has engaged more and more in the international market. I find that the skills of some Chinese moviemakers have already reached the international level."

Despite applause and praise, Chinese film insiders say the country's film industry still has a long way to go before its integration into the international market.

Chen Weiming, producer of "Chengdu, I Love You!", shares his view.

"If Chinese films want to go abroad, I think unremitting promotional efforts should be made. A successful film should not only rely on content and quality. It also has to make use of the influence of international film festivals to promote itself."

The ongoing Pusan International Film Festival will last until Friday.

It has gathered a record 355 films from about 70 countries and regions. The annual festival was launched in 1996 and focused on discovering new films and first-time directors from across Asia.

Chen Zhe, CRI news.