Besson looks for emotional films, and the best in his opinion are those that are "understood and remembered by everyone, regardless the country and language", he said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Thirteen of the 15 nominated films, selected from 930 candidates, will make their international debut at the festival that runs through April 23. About 300 movies selected from over 1,500 productions from 103 countries and regions will be shown in 23 Beijing cinemas and at eight universities.

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who gave warm handshakes and hugs to screaming fans alongside the ceremony's red carpet, also revealed that his recent silver screen return in the action blockbusters Sabotage and Terminator 5 is motivated by fans around the world.

Revealing his twice-a-day training to keep in good shape, Schwarzenegger also displays his hope for the booming Chinese movie market.

"I'm waiting for China to open up its movie market further to bring in more foreign movies and export great Chinese productions overseas," he said.