Chan, Zhang usher in 1st Beijing Film Festival

Chan, Zhang usher in 1st Beijing Film Festival

BEIJING -- Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi and other top names from the Chinese film industry joined celebrations for the inaugural Beijing International Film Festival.

Others walking the red carpet at the festival's opening ceremony at the National Center for the Performing Arts late Saturday included directors Feng Xiaogang and Peter Chan, kung fu star Sammo Hung, as well as actresses Fan Bingbing and Tang Wei. Foreign guests included "The Lion King" director Rob Minkoff.

Jackie Chan said he hoped "if we combine efforts the Beijing Film Festival will draw global attention in due course."

Fan said industry insiders have been dreaming about an international film festival in the Chinese capital. China's leading international film festival is currently held in the eastern financial center Shanghai.

 

AP Photo - American film director Rob Minkoff, right, walks with his wife Crystal Kung Minkoff upon their arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011. (Andy Wong)

 AP Photo - Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan, left, accompanied by Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi waves to his fans upon arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011. (Andy Wong)

AP Photo - Chinese actress Tangwei, left, and Chinese director Peter Chan arrive at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011. (Andy Wong)

AP Photo - American film director Rob Minkoff, right, and his wife Crystal Kung Minkoff pose for photo upon their arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011. (Andy Wong)

AP Photo - Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan, right, accompanied by Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi waves to his fans upon arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - China's model and actress Mary Ma, left, arrives at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - Hong Kong movie star Sammo Hung Kam Bo waves to his fans upon arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - Chinese actress Fan Bingbing signs her autographs as she arrives at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - China model and actress Mary Ma poses for photograph upon arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China, Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - Chinese actress Fan Bingbing waves to her fans as she arrives at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - American film director Rob Minkoff, draws a lion king, one of his award-winning animated movie upon his arrival at the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China Saturday, April 23, 2011.

AP Photo - Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan, right, is greeted by his fans as Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, left, look on upon their arrival for the opening of the Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, China Saturday, April 23, 2011.









Fresno Bee
Posted at 09:53 AM on Saturday, Apr. 23, 2011