The eighth Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), co-organized by the Beijing Municipal Government and the China Media Group, opened on April 15.

This year's event, which lasts until April 22, features seven major sections: the Tiantan Award selection, the Opening Ceremony, the Beijing Film Panorama, the Theme Forum, the Film Market, the Film Carnival, and the Closing & Awards Ceremony.

Du Feijin, executive vice chairman of BJIFF's organizing committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, said, "With 15,000 guests from 300 domestic and international institutions of 50 countries and regions all gathering in Beijing, we hope this annual event will further boost prosperity and development of motion pictures across the globe."

Since 2011, the BJIFF has displayed 2,400 films in over 5,000 screenings. Demand for tickets to the Film Panorama remains sky high this year, with screenings to the hottest films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Titanic" and "Chunking Express" sold out in less than 15 seconds. Ticket sales for the Film Panorama hit 2 million yuan (US$318,400) one minute after they became available on April 1, and 9 million yuan after 12 minutes.

Since 2013, Beijing produces over 300 films annually, accounting for 40 percent of the country's total. Among each year's top 10 highest grossing Chinese films, six are produced in Beijing.

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