Veteran International and Chinese Film Stars Flock to Shanghai for Festival Opening

Ian McKellen acclaimed Jiao Huang staged an episode from "Hamlet.".

　　The curtain opened on the 2016 Shanghai International Film Festival last night with a star-studded red carpet show and grand opening ceremony at Shanghai Grand Theater.

　　Big-name stars attending the event included legendary British actor Sir Ian McKellen, Chinese American film maker Ang Lee, American actor Bradley Cooper, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, Taiwan actress Shu Qi, South Korean heart-throb Lee Min-ho, and mainland actress Fan Bingbing.

　　Cooper, on his first visit to China, revealed that he will shoot two movies on the mainland."The city of Shanghai is amazing," said Cooper."I am deeply touched by its vitality."

　　Taiwan actress Shu Qi said her new film will be a Chinese remake of the famous Hollywood comedy romance "My Best Friend\'s Wedding."

　　Revered British actor Ian McKellen, known for his portrayal of Gandalf in the Peter Jackson trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," said it is his first visit to Shanghai,"a beautiful city."

　　McKellen’s 1995 film "Richard III," which he co-produced and co-wrote, will be screened in the festival\'s "Shakespeare on Film" program to commemorate the 400th anniversary this year of the playwright\'s death. He will also talk with local college students about his experiences acting on the stage and in film.

　　The actor delivered an excerpt from "As You Like It" at the opening ceremony while acclaimed mainland theater star Jiao Huang staged an episode from "Hamlet."

　　Ang Lee recalled his first time attending the Shanghai International Film Festival 10 years ago."I have been amazed at the flourishing Chinese film industry over the past 10 years," Lee said.

　　Celebrated Serbian director Emir Kusturica, known for "Time of the Gypsies" and "Underground," will be Jury President for the coveted Golden Goblet awards.

　　Kusturica expressed his joy at being immersed in the cinema and movies in the next few days, assuring fans the Jury will select good films.

　　Fourteen feature films of diverse styles and genres will compete for this year’s Golden Goblet awards. The festival will also honor excellent documentary and animated movies.

　　This 2016 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival runs through to June 19.