The presence of such stars as James Cameron and a three-hour red-carpet ceremony generated great fanfare at the second annual Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF).
And film circles are rumbling about how BJIFF is reportedly applying for accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). It would become the 15th competitive feature film festival certified by the organization.
While FIAPF didn't respond to an e-mail inquiry by press time, Beijing's ambition to become a new center of the global film industry is apparent.
Beijing has congenital advantages in attracting those eager to approach the market - foremost of which is that it's the capital of the country that's the world's fastest-growing film market.
BJIFF, which is hosted by the local government and the State Administration of Radio, TV and Film, is looking to capitalize on this competitive edge.
But the question arises: Could these advantages and the FIAPF's accreditation guarantee a truly great film festival?
The world's most celebrated film festivals, such as those in Cannes, Venice and Berlin, share some basic characteristics.
Good or great?
They are orderly and organized by professionals, who both understand and love film. This provides filmmakers, traders, media and ordinary filmgoers easy access to information and the services they need through efficient platforms.
But, most importantly, a film festival's core value is films. All the best film festivals take great pride in flushing out the next masters, who aren't especially visible at the time.
When Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape won the Palme d'Or - Cannes' top award - in 1989, he was only 26, and the film was his directorial debut.
Quentin Tarantino won the same award for Pulp Fiction in 1994, when he was a video rental store employee-turned director who had completed only one work.
And don't forget Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige - two of China's most famous directors. Both rose to prominence by winning top awards at eminent festivals, such as the Berlinnale and Cannes.
These award winners' achievements later in their careers have proven juries' professionalism and discernment.
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