THE awards ceremony for the Chinese International Film Festival in London was held over the weekend, with a number of Chinese stars attending.

    Around 20 awards were handed out at this year’s ceremony, among which the best overseas influence award was presented to Yang Mi, who is also the film festival’s good-will ambassador.

    “The film festival is a very good opportunity for people from the Chinese film industry to promote and present their works to an overseas audience. I hope there will more occasions like this, and I would be very happy to get involved,” Yang said.

    As part of her schedule in London, the Chinese actress is also due to meet with her fans in England, alongside a number of her British contemporaries.

    Aside from the awards ceremony, this year’s film festival also featured an industry forum on Sino-British cooperation in film production.

    Hong Kong actor Nick Cheung said collaboration with people in the British film industry is an exciting opportunity.

    “I will be glad to see more collaboration involving the Chinese and Western film industries. I wish it could be a mainstream phenomenon, as it will help people from both countries better understand each other.”

    Cheung won the award for the best leading role for his performance in the film “Unbeatable.”

    In a screening session that followed the award ceremony, recently released Chinese films such as “Dearest” and “Golden Era” will be shown in London.

    Hong Kong director Peter Chan won the best director award for his film “Dearest.”

    The Chinese International Film Festival in London began last year.

    It’s designed to try to promote Chinese films among a British audience and is supported by the Chinese Government and the British Film Institute.

    (SD-Agencies)