Celebrities hit the red carpet

Actress Zhang Ziyi arrives at the opening ceremony of Shanghai International Film Festival on Saturday night, June 14, 2008. [Photo: TUNGSTAR]

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About 200 films will be shown in 23 theaters in Shanghai for the Shanghai International Film Festival, including Oscar winners "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood."

The festival, which extends until June 22, begins with a grand opening ceremony Saturday night, with proceeds to help victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

Tickets for screenings cost 30 to 60 yuan (US$8.69). Local audiences have already shown a taste for the award winning films, while tickets still remain for some of the lesser-known films and art-house productions.

This year's festival has again attracted celebrities, including internationally renowned Chinese mainland actress Zhang Ziyi and Cannes award-winning director Wong Kar-wai from Hong Kong.

Zhang, who rose to international fame through Ang Lee's Oscar-winning film "Croaching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," is a special guest for the ceremony. Wong is veteran Hong Kong art-house director who has won various awards around the world with classics like "Chungking Express," "In the Mood for Love," and "Ashes of Time." He is head of the seven-member jury that includes German film producer Ulrich Felsberg, Danish director Bille August, Japanese actress/director Kaori Momoi, Chinese-American actress Joan Chen, Chinese mainland director Huo Jianqi and Israli actress/writer Gila Almagor.

Wong is filling the lead jury position vacated by late British director Anthony Minghella. Minghella's feature works such as "The Talented Mr Ripley" and "Cold Mountain" will be screened to commemorate the director. Wong also brought "Ashes of Time Redux" to present as a special screening. It is a remake of his 1994 classic about time, choices and life's regrets.