More than 400 international and local film celebrities strode along the red carpet at Shanghai Culture Square last night to raise the curtain on the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival. American director Oliver Stone made a return appearance, after attending the first Shanghai film festival in 1993. "You're bigger and more exorbitant," Stone said, referring to the changes. Local favorites like Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat and Taiwan's Jay Chou, who played sidekick Kato in the movie version of "The Green Hornet" made appearances on the red carpet to promote upcoming films. South Korean heart-throb Zo In-sung, Italian actress and producer Maria Cucinotta also attended the ceremony. British director Tom Hooper, whose films include "Les Miserables" and "The King's Speech" is heading the jury for the festival's main award. Actor Keanu Reeves is also due to attend during the nine-day festival to promote his directorial debut "Man of Tai Chi." Other big names attending included Hong Kong actor Andy Lau and director Johnnie To, promoting their new crime thriller "Blind Detective." The event also attracted Taiwan singer/actor Jay Chou, in town to promote martial arts musical "The Rooftop," which he directed. During the opening ceremony, Oliver Stone received a lifetime achievement award. Stone recalled his first visit to the city as a jury member for the first Shanghai International Film Festival. Initially, the festival was held every second year. He was thrilled that this time many of his movies will be shown during the fest, including "Alexander" and "JFK." "It is a beautiful film festival," he said. "East and West meets here. I like East Meets West." Hong Kong martial arts director Tsui Hark was presented with an outstanding contribution to Chinese cinema award. "Shanghai is the cradle of Chinese film," Tsui said. "This award means so much to me." China's box office surged 36 percent annually to US$2.7 billion in 2012, behind only North America with ticket sales of US$10.8 billion, according to the Motion Picture Association of America. |
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