Olivier Richard speaks at the press conference. [Photo by Zhang Xingjian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Olivier Richard, minister counselor of France embassy in China, delivered the keynote speech during the conference.

According to him, French is the most used language after Chinese, English, Spanish and Arabic. There are currently 300 million French speakers in the world, which will increase to 800 million in 2050, and 85 percent of which are in Africa.

"Language learning promotes a better understanding of the history, society and creation of countries," Richard added.

As the festival ambassador, Huang Jue, who has starred in hit films like Long Day's Journey Into Night and Letter from an Unknown Woman, said he has always been passionate about French history and culture and is ready to learn French in the future.

"Learning French requires a lot of rigor and hard work, but it nourishes tolerance and solidarity," the actor said

Actor Huang Jue accepts the certificate for acting as the ambassador for the festival. [Photo by Zhang Xingjian/chinadaily.com.cn]