3D opera films wow Beijing film festival

Not even star delegate Arnold Schwarzenegger can steal the thunder of 3D Beijing opera films screening in the ongoing Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF).

Five 3D films featuring Beijing opera are premiering during the fifth BJIFF, which kicked off on Thursday evening at Yanqi Lake with an opening ceremony attracting nearly 1,000 international filmmakers, directors and actors.

The pick of the Beijing opera films is "Farewell My Concubine", an adaptation of the classic love story based on the legend of ancient hero Xiang Yu and his beloved concubine Yu Ji.

The film combines traditional Chinese culture and modern technology, according to director Teng Junjie.

"By including a high-tech and modern touch, audiences can appreciate the beauty of Beijing opera while enjoying the story from their own perspective," Teng said.

The two lead roles are filled by 75-year-old opera veteran Shang Changrong and rising star Shi Yihong.

"When I watched the demo on the monitor, I found it very exciting. In 3D, the fight scenes felt like real battles," Shang said in a previous interview with Xinhua.

Shi said she hopes the movie can draw global attention to Chinese art.

"Farewell My Concubine" had its overseas premiere in Hollywood last May and was given an award for "Live Broadcast Music Entertainment" by the International 3D and Advanced Imaging Society in January.