SHANGHAI, June 17 (UPI) -- The Shanghai International Film Festival had a slow take-off, but has shown the city might once again become China's movie capital.
The commercial capital has not been seen as the home of China's film industry since the 1930s, The Hollywood Reporter said Sunday.
A VIP reception included Hong Kong hit-maker Bill Kong, who made "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, alongside director Jia Zhangke, whose film "Still Life" won the Venice film festival and Jerome Paillard, the director general of the Cannes Marche du Film. Plenty of stars were in attendance as well, including American actress Sharon Stone and singer Norah Jones.
Director Chen Kaige, best known for "Farewell My Concubine" and "The Promise," is the head of the jury for the festival.
"A long time ago, the Shanghai government didn't know how to start a film festival," said Chen. "Eventually, they learned quality films make any festival. This is still the issue, but maybe it's too soon for me to say here, today."
Sixteen films, none from the United States, are competing for the Jin Jue, or Golden Chalice, award at the festival.
