It's the first time that laymen have been invited to judge a film festival in China, according to sources.

For a long time, people have criticized under-the-table deals in some similar events. "To choose some judges from among ordinary people is a way to make things more fair, open and just," said Wang Jinuo, one of the laymen judges.

Devin Chu, a film industry professional from Taiwan on the judging panel, called it "a good try." It integrated art and commerce, he said.

The experts and laymen judges are said to share similar views about the films vying for awards at the festival.

One of the five foreign candidate films is The Others starring Nicole Kidman.

The festival opened on Friday and is expected to last until August 26.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2002)