Director Jia Zhangke

The official lineup for the 65th Venice Film Festival was announced in Rome on Tuesday and two Chinese movies, Plastic City and Cry Me a River have been included.

Plastic City directed by Yu Lik-wai is in the race for the Gold Lion award, while Cry Me a River by Jia Zhangke is in the Out of Competition session for screening, Sina.com.cn reported.

Starring Japanese actor Joe Odagiri, Hong Kong veteran Anthony Wong and mainland actress Huang Yi, Plastic City is the third film from Hong Kong director Yu Lik-wai. The movie tells the story of an immigrated Chinese father and his son struggling with life in Brazil.

The 17 minute-short film Cry Me a River by director Jia Zhangke will made its worldwide premier in Venice. Through the reunion of four friends 10 years after they graduate from college, the films shows how time changes people and love.

The two films are both presented by Xstream Pictures founded by Jia Zhangke.

Burn After Reading, a U.S. product, will be the opening film.

The festival is set to begin August 27 and run until September 6.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 30, 2008)