Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 5th Beijing International Film Festival

    Distinguished guests,

　　Ladies and Gentlemen, and dear friends,

　　Good evening! Tonight, filmmakers from more than 50 countries and regions are gathering in Beijing to witness the grand opening of the 5th Beijing International Film Festival by this beautiful and resplendent Yanqi Lake. On behalf of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the international jury president and all jury members of the Tiantan Awards as well as all honorable guests that are present at the 5th Beijing International Film Festival. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the friends from all over the world who care and support the development of the Chinese films and Beijing International Film Festival!

　　Since its establishment five years ago, Beijing International Film Festival has always adhered to the positive art direction. It has been sticking to the orientation of internationalization, professionalization and diversification, as well as the features of “Master, Mass, and Market”. Through competition section, film panorama and a series of art oriented programs, Beijing International Film Festival has been gathering more strength, training new filmmakers and promoting the prosperity of film culture. It has been providing a wonderful platform of exhibition, trading, exchanging and cooperation for the worldwide film community. Beijing International Film Festival has become an influential film event, playing a more and more important role in promoting the fast and sustainable development of the Chinese film market and the prosperity of the international film culture.

　　The Chinese government pays high attention to the development of the film industry and has been committed to the growth of both domestic and international film industry. In 2014, China’s box office surged to RMB 29.6 billion, up 36% y-o-y. Cinema admission reached 830 million, up 35% y-o-y. Totally, 618 Chinese films were produced which, accounted for 54% of box office revenue and played a dominant role in the market share. For the 5th Beijing International Film Festival, 930 films have applied for the Competition Section and 1,524 films have applied for the panorama section, both hitting new highs. All this has well displayed the increasing attraction and cohesiveness of both the Beijing International Film Festival and the Chinese film market.

　　This year marks the 120th anniversary of the world film and the 110th anniversary of the Chinese film. Hope friends from the international film community could further strengthen exchange and cooperation through the platform of BJIFF, and jointly create greater achievements for the global film industry.

　　Wish the 5th Beijing International Film Festival a great success! Thank you!