Actor Huang Xiaoming, the festival's international communications ambassador, said he felt fortunate to be a filmmaker in an era of growing national prosperity.
During his trips to Europe and Southeast Asia, Huang said he had found that international audiences and industry peers were increasingly interested in Chinese films and television programs — more than most people might imagine.
He added that people he met overseas had expressed their appreciation for Chinese culture and their desire for more opportunities to visit the country and engage in cultural exchanges with Chinese counterparts.
Huang expressed hope that the festival would invite more foreign filmmakers, give them more opportunities to showcase their cultures, and help promote Chinese works abroad.