A new China-UK film event will be held on the banks of the Thames in September, following a bilateral co-production deal last month.
The event, Screen China, will be part of the Thames Festival, the annual largest outdoor art festival in London. About 10 Chinese films will be screened from Sept 12 to 16.
The organizers, Allied China Europe Society, also announced the British Chinese Film and TV Summit will take place on Sept 15.
"China will take part in the Thames Festival for the first time. About 1 million visitors come to the festival every year, so it's a good opportunity to showcase Chinese culture through films, food, handicraft and fashion," says Huilin Proctor, director of ACES.
She says the summit will provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for filmmakers and producers from China and Britain.
A number of events promoting China have recently taken place in the United Kingdom.
From June to October, the British Film Institute will present A Century of Chinese Cinema, during which about 80 Chinese films will be showcased.
A delegation, including professionals from the British film industry, attended the 4th Beijing International Film Festival last month and signed a co-production treaty, which many believe can push forward cooperation and development of each other's film industry and markets.
"I think it's a very special moment because there's a real sense of energy behind the desire both from the UK side and from China to really make something very special and important happen," says Amanda Nevill, CEO of the British Film Institute.
"Britain and China have very different cultures. If they make films together and tell each other's stories, it's a really great way of developing and sharing each other's understanding of country and culture," she adds.
"So many Chinese-British film events taking place in both countries means the Chinese side and British side have a great passion and strong desire, and are eager for exchange and cooperation in the film industry," says Luan Guozhi, deputy director-general of the Film Bureau of China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and TV.
"The exchange on film will not only create economic benefits, but culturally, I think it's more significant," he says.
Films from the United States dominate most world markets. When talking about blockbusters, most people think of Hollywood.
"Very few Chinese audiences and filmmakers know about British films. Some filmmakers like to seek opportunities in Hollywood when they mention co-production. But China and Britain cannot reproduce the Hollywood mode," says Huilin.
"I think Chinese and British film cooperation is now at the primary stage. That's why we created the summit, hoping that professionals from the two countries can exchange views, learn from each other and share experiences," she says.
"We hope that the Chinese films screened in Britain won't only attract homesick Chinese students and citizens, but also draw Britons' attention," she adds.
"In some ways, getting the treaty signed was the easiest part. The next thing is about starting to build relationships between filmmakers in Britain and China," Nevill says.
"The essence of how to suit each other's taste is very important. Chinese and British producers and filmmakers need to prepare to invest time to make a successful film," she says.
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