French film festival panorama opens in Beijing

The sixth annual French Film Panorama in China officially began on Thursday
night in Beijing's Saga Cinema, with the screening of director Cedric Klapisch's
'Paris' starring Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche.

At the opening, Cedric Klapisch expressed his wishes that the audience would
feel as if they had been to France after the film, and how he would like to see
Chinese directors show more about China in their own way, just like he did with
Paris in his film.

French actress Juliette Binoche arrives for the opening of the Sixth annual French Film Panorama in China on Thursday night, April 9, 2009, at Beijing's Saga Cinema. [Photo: sina.com]

Juliette Binoche also shared her experience of acting. The actress told how
she considers each film a contract and the expectations of audiences weigh
heavily on her. Whenever she takes a role, she takes it as a promise.

A dozen visiting French filmmakers and industry figures also appeared at the
Thursday opening.

Beijing moviegoers will have an opportunity to watch a total of 12 recently
released French feature films and 12 short films during two rounds of screenings
from April 9 to 23.

The screening list includes 'Magique' by director Philippe Muyl, 'Mia et
Miggou' by Jacques-Remy Girerd, Jean-Claude Van Damme (JCVD) and Sagan.

In two other Chinese cities, Chengdu and Guangzhou, screenings of the
panorama began on April 1 and Shanghai, the last leg of the Panorama, will soon
open its event on April 13.

French movies are still appealing to many Chinese audiences while the local
film market is in a void period between the February and May peak movie going
seasons. Tickets for the festival have sold very quickly. Many movie fans are
having to wait for the extended second round of purchasing starting on April
17.

The event is held jointly by UniFrance, the French Embassy and the State
Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) to promote cultural
exchanges between the two peoples.

French actress Juliette Binoche arrives for the
opening
of the Sixth annual French Film Panorama in China on
Thursday
night, April 9, 2009, at Beijing's Saga Cinema.
[Photo:
sina.com]



French actress Juliette Binoche arrives for the
opening of the Sixth
annual French Film Panorama in China on Thursday night,
April 9, 2009,
at Beijing's Saga Cinema. [Photo:
sina.com]



French actress Juliette Binoche arrives for the
opening
of the Sixth annual French Film Panorama in China on
Thursday
night, April 9, 2009, at Beijing's Saga Cinema.
[Photo:
sina.com]