SHINING STARS: Renowned Hong Kong super star Andy Lau (middle) walking on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the second BJIFF. Lau just won the best leading actor on the 31st Hong Kong Film Awards for his unparalleled acting in the movie A Simple Life a week ago (LUO XIAOGUANG)

Movie stars and film industry elites walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the Second Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) at the China National Convention Center in north Beijing's Olympic Park on April 23, 2012.

Some 260 films of diverse subjects and genres will be screened at 21 cinemas in Beijing from April 21 to 28.

Noteworthy entries include Iranian film A Separation and Chinese Full Circle, which debuted for Chinese audiences as the festival began. Despite low production costs, these two films have won extremely high praise. A Separation won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012.

Recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, the festival is trying to make itself a magnificent brand in the movie industry.

DISTINGUISHED GATHERING: Chinese artists performed Peking Opera at the opening ceremony of the second BJIFF in Beijing on April 23 (LUO XIAOGUANG)

The organizers will hold forums for concerning film production and music for film makers to discuss opportunities for cooperation. In particular, a summit for world-renowned film companies will be attended by dozens of high-level executives of China Film Group Corp., Huayi Brothers Media Corp., Fox Filmed Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment LLC. Special invitations for a series of events and meetings were extended to nearly 4,000 guests and 500 film organizations.

The Chinese film industry is strengthening cooperation with international film companies. For the second BJIFF, the world-renowned film director James Cameron and his team will sign a contract to supervise the 3D technology of Chinese movie The Art of War. "We are still in discussions, but have agreed on the principles that we will provide certain service to ensure the quality of 3-D," Cameron said in Beijing. The film's director, Hu Bo, contacted Cameron a year ago and sought opportunities for his company to provide 3-D camera and technology for the first epic 3-D film in China.