CRI听力:The China Int'l Film Festival London to be Held in May

Reporter: The China International Film Festival London is one of the most prestigious and far-reaching overseas Chinese film events to date.

The two nations have come together to encourage attention and support from international audiences by introducing Chinese films to the UK, with the hope to motivate filmmakers from both sides to connect and share ideas.

Carma Elliot, the British Cultural and Education Minister and Director of the British council, says the festival is a great way for filmmakers from China and the UK to connect.

"It's really important that people in the UK can see what's coming out from china and making it more accessible, bringing it to London so people can go along, and when it is part of a film festival it gives it profile as well so it helps directors and producers here, the industry here to connect into the UK ."

By introducing fresh Chinese movies to the UK, it's a way of showing industry insiders and audiences a new angle to film making and story-telling.

Hong Kong director Peter Chan agrees that the festival is good for Chinese filmmakers, after his latest film received lots of praise at the previous event.

"I feel greatly honoured to attend such an event and I'd like to express my support for the event. Last year, I attended the China International Film Festival London and my work "Dearest" received great encouragement and finally a big prize."

China and the UK have just signed a co-production treaty, and this festival will give filmmakers young and old, a chance to see there's now an accessible platform for production between the two countries. It's very much about the next generation and making those connections for the future.

Chinese actress Yan Bingyan said the festival, which is in its third year, has a very young feel to it.

"When I first attended the event, I was surprised that so many young people are working on such a magnificent film festival. The atmosphere was very young, vigorous and fashionable."

The China International Film Festival London will begin on May 13.

For CRI, this is Chloe Lyme.