The 20th annual Beijing Student Film Festival has begun at Haidian theatre. The event has opened with "Touch of the Light" by Taiwan director Chang Jung-Chi. The film, which tells the true story of a blind pianist, has already scooped multiple awards across Asia.
Film stars, production crew, scholars and students rubbed shoulders at the opening of the 20th Beijing college student film festival. This year's festival is divided into competitive parts: domestic films, university films and original films.
Over 200 films are competing in the domestic film section alone, from which the lauded "Back to 1942" and "The Grandmaster" have emerged as prime contenders for the top prize.
The festival this year has seen a surge in both diversity and quality of films featured. Short films are also playing a bigger part in the event, enabling more university students to showcase their talent.
Since its conception in 1993, the festival has become one of the most influential film festivals in the Chinese speaking world. The event, which features exhibitions and seminars, will also tour to universities. The event also features a special student's choice award with students from all over China voting to select their favorite actor, actress and director.
Winners will be announced at the Olympic Sports Centre in Beijing on May 13th, when the festival wraps.