The Chinese blockbuster Let the Bullets Fly leads the race of the Fifth Asian Film Awards with six nominations, including best picture and best director.

Other nominees for best picture include fellow Chinese blockbuster Aftershock, Confessions from Japan, Peepli Live from India, Poetry from South Korea, and Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives from Thailand, which was the big winner at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

Hong Kong-based actress Sylvia Chang said she's impressed with the nominees. "All filmmakers work so hard in the field because we all have something that we want to say and express. How do you succeed? I say it's about honesty, originality and passion."

Jury President Yonfan agreed, and said it's a difficult job to pick just one winner in each category.

"I, along with all outstanding jury members, need to select the winners from these films with various cultures, techniques and the emotions," he said. "It's a huge responsibility. Hopefully, we won't disappoint you."

The results will be announced on March 21 in Hong Kong.

(CRIENGLISH.com January 21, 2011)