Insiders laud competition section of Beijing Intl Film Fest

This year's Beijing International Film Festival has made some major changes, and it is gathering big names from the global film market. As we see now, these movie insiders are eager to share their thoughts on this emerging film event.

Now in its third year, for the first time ever the Beijing International Film Festival will hold a competition and give out its own unique awards, the Tiantans. Ten of them will go to the best productions and performances.

American movie producer Hawk Koch, who is an honorary guest at the festival, says the competition is a big step in the right direction.

15 films from 11 countries have been nominated for the awards. As one of the judges, South Korean film maker Kang Je-gyu says the competition is a platform for mutual understanding.

Kang Je-Gyu, filmmaker, said, "The competition enables the Chinese audience to learn about foreign films. And if we give awards to a British film, British filmmakers will pay more attention to the Chinese market, and attend to the needs of Chinese audiences."

The panel of judges includes award-winning actor and director Nikita Mikhalkov, head of the Russian Cinematographers' Union. Participating films will also come under the watchful eye of renowned Chinese director Gu Changwei, a Silver Bear Award winner.

Nominees include the British film "Great Expectations," French film "Maddened by His Absence," and China's "Back to 1942" and "Feng Shui". The winners will be announced next Tuesday.