This time it is the real thing, not as before, and not to be confused with the Independent Film Competition that is going on this month.

New information has just been posted regarding the 9th annual Shanghai International Film Festival. They only just recently updated their website, though requests for more information go unanswered. Most of the information they do have is carried over from the last festival. Though, we can see the organization beginning for the next in a long line of successful festivals.

Here is the basic rundown:

The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) fills various venues around the city, presenting over 900 official films from more than 60 countries. Founded in 1993, it is the only international film festival in China and has Grade-A international status.

The nine-day event is made up of four strands: the Jin Jue Award International Film Competition, the International Film Panorama, the International Film Market and the Jin Jue International Film Forum.

Last year brought 3823 submissions, with 164 films actually screened. Only 46 of these were Chinese films. 874 Film professionals from 359 companies of 46 countries participated. We also saw over 300 big names such as action star Jackie Chan, Chinese director Zhang Yimou, Singaporean Fann Wong and even Hollywood’s Brendan Fraser. The box office took in more than 27.7 million RMB in submissions. Considering the strict policy of China towards foreign movies, this is a big success. We can only expect these numbers to be higher this year.

Since the very first festival back in 1993, it was recognized by FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Association) and accredited as of the 9 biggest film festivals in the world. This gives the SIFF international recognition and standing, and perhaps is one of the key steps towards the rebirth of Shanghai’s once illustrious motion picture industry past.

This year even brings in movies from Hong Kong with it’s own film festival to run concurrently with Shanghai’s. They say this is to “promote Hong Kong as a destination to mainland people and increase their understanding of our city”. First of all, it seems very strange that Shanghai would want to promote Hong Kong as a tourist destination. Perhaps Shanghai is fed up with all those tourists and wants to send them to Hong Kong? Secondly, if Hong Kong movies can increase the understanding of the city, then what I understand is that there are lots of gangsters shooting each other with martial arts heroes bent on revenge for some bad guys killing his family or lover. Yes boys and girls, movies are just like real life!

Mockery aside, lets hope this exchange is two way, which will provide another much needed boost to Shanghai’s film industry as it is increasingly seen as a popular destination for Hong Kong producers. As Shanghai grows in popularity both Hong Kong and Beijing are feeling the draw of Shanghai as the place to be to make both Films and TV.

If you are an aspiring filmmaker, be sure to enter as they are now accepting submissions with the deadline set at April 1, 2006. They are accepting feature length, short, documentary and animation films. Be sure to read the regulations before submitting.

The festival includes the four major events:

• Jin Jue Award - Which is the highlight, featuring awards in many categories:

       -Best Feature Film
       -Jury Grand Prix (Most original film)
       -Best Director
       -Best Actress
       -Best Actor
       -Best Screenplay
       -Best Cinematography
       -Best Music
       -Asian New Talent Award - Awarded to the best new Asian director.

• Jin Jue International Film Forum - Which is a discussion forum delving into topics of great interest such as China’s entertainment industry, cultural connections, film distribution as well as many other things. The forum and roundtable discussion topics have, as of now, not been decided.
• International Film Market - This is the “industry exhibition” part of the festival, with countless companies in the movie and related industries coming to show off their products, services as well as many other goodies. This is the place to go for those interested in knowing more, or becoming more involved in the industry.
• International Film Panorama - Which is a showcase of outstanding International Films of 2005. This will be the core attraction for those wanting to indulge in the films, showing in many theaters throughout Shanghai. Unfortunately this will not include short films.

For those of you not wanting to miss it, you don’t have to hold your breath, as the festival is not until June. You can catch it June 17 - 25th at various venues to be determined throughout Shanghai. For filmgoers in and around Shanghai as well as international, this festival is an important cultural event, promoting both Chinese and International culture in a country whose government seems to see their culture as being above others.