Starting from June 9th, 313 entries of 147 companies from 32 countries all over the world took part in the competition for the Magnolia Award. A jury panel composed of 10 TV and film experts were invited to Shanghai for the appreciation and evaluation of the films.

In the past four days, jury members watched 14 TV films and 27 documentaries (final selections) and have decided whom the Magnolia Award will be given to.

The awards ceremony will be held tonight at 19:00 at the hall of the Shanghai Oriental TV Station in Pudong District. Magnolia Award for the 9th STVF will also be announced then.

Founded in 1986, STVF has been the most influential international TV festivals in Asia. It used to be held every other year in Shanghai.

From this year on, municipal government decided that STVF will be held every summer in June or July.

STVF will join hand with another former biennial international festival SIFF to form a new annual TV and Film gala in summer from 2002 on.

This year's session combines the 9th STVF and the 6th SIFF (Shanghai International Film Festival).

SIFF, starting on June 8, will end on June 16.

(eastday.com June 13, 2002)