A Chinese film on Thursday was international-premiered at South Korea's largest international film festival, marking the close of the feast.

Chosen as the closer of the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), "The Message," co-directed by Chen Kou-fu and Gao Qunshu, was screened at Cinematheque Busan, with its director Chen and main actors and actress present for a press conference.

"I was very surprised to hear that my film was invited as the closer, because it was decided even before it was completed," Chen said.

(from L to R) Director Chen Kou-fu, actor Huang Xiaoming, actress Li Bingbing and actor Su Yu Peng attend the premiere of film "The Message" during the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), in Pusan, South Korea, Oct. 15, 2009. "The Message" was chosen as the closer of the PIFF. Based on a famous novel under the same title, the film distinguishes itself from other war thrillers with its well- plotted storyline, as well as main characters' detailed acting.

"I am looking forward to how the audience would react to my film as it is screened at Tomorrow's closing ceremony," he added.

Based on a famous novel under the same title, the film distinguishes itself from other war thrillers with its well-plotted storyline, as well as main characters' detailed acting.

Although the story is limited to events unfolding in a closed area, the audience is absorbed into the tense, intricate relations between the Japanese interrogator and the spies through the actors' detailed verbal and facial expressions.

Also, unlike other war stories, "The Message" chooses two women as the main characters and highlights their patriotism, love, and sacrifice.

"I wanted to depict the war and the world at a female perspective as I have found out a lot of work has been done by women in real wars," the director told the press conference.

Chen, a renowned director, film critic, actor and producer for documentaries and music videos, made his debut in 1989 with "School Girl," and has been invited to many top-class festivals including Cannes, Toronto and Rotterdam.

Actress Li Bingbing attends the premiere of film "The Message" during the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), in Pusan, South Korea, Oct. 15, 2009. "The Message" was chosen as the closer of the PIFF. Based on a famous novel under the same title, the film distinguishes itself from other war thrillers with its well- plotted storyline, as well as main characters' detailed acting.

Another director Gao Qunshu made his debut feature Tokyo Trial, and has won several awards, including Jury's Special Prize at the Changchun International Film Festival and Jury's Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Film Festival 2008.

After screening their co-produced work at the closing ceremony on Friday, the 14th PIFF will end its nine-day run.

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• The Message hits theaters for National Day

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