The 8th Pingyao International Film Festival kicked off in the ancient city of Pingyao, Jinzhong, North China's Shanxi province, on Sept 24. 

Zhang Jifu, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee, delivered a speech and officially announced the opening, with leaders such as Li Jingze, vice chairman of the China Writers Association, Mao Yu, executive deputy director of the China Film Administration, and Chang Shuming, Party secretary of Jinzhong, attending the ceremony.

The 8th Pingyao International Film Festival kicks off on Sept 24. [Photo/Yellow River News]

In his speech, Zhang stated that the 8th Pingyao International Film Festival would inject stronger development momentum into contemporary film art and offer a more stunning cinematic experience to film enthusiasts. Shanxi hopes to work with filmmakers from home and abroad to create a new chapter in the exchange and development of Chinese and foreign film.

During the opening ceremony, renowned directors such as Chen Kaige, Xie Fei, and Miguel Gomez, actors like Wang Xueqi, Qin Hailu, and Ye Tong, and numerous industry professionals gathered at the Pingyao Festival Palace to witness the grand opening of the event.

Having been held for the past eight years, the Pingyao International Film Festival has seen participation from over 50 countries and regions, with more than 5,000 filmmakers and over 400 works exhibited, attracting over 1.7 million visitors to Pingyao.

This year's festival will run from Sept 24 to 30, screening nearly 60 films and featuring six academic activities, 16 script projects, and 17 selected literary works for audiences to enjoy.

The official screening section includes films from 22 countries and regions, with 43.9 percent of the films debuting globally, 75.6 percent making their Asian debut, and all of them making their Chinese mainland premiere.