With the red carpet rolled out and lights dazzling inside the venue, the ninth Beijing International Film Festival finally opened in the Chinese capital on Saturday evening.

This year's event saw the attendance of the industry's big stars from China and overseas. French actress Sophie Marceau, American veteran actor, director and screenwriter Christopher Walken, and Japanese actress Komaki Kurihara were among the international lineup.

Marceau brought her latest directorial film “Madame Mills,” which also stars herself as the leading actress.

China's filmmakers and stars also gathered for the stunning evening as well. Veteran actors and actresses, such as Hu Ge, Xu Zheng, Zhang Hanyu, Chen Shu, Yuan Quan and Yu Feihong were among the stars walking the red carpet.

The red carpet of the 2019 Beijing International Film Festival in Huairou District in Beijing. /Photo via BJIFF

Young media darlings Zhou Dongyu, Guan Xiaotong, Li Yifeng, Dilraba Dilmurat and Wu Jinyan also wowed their fans on the red carpet.

The international jury lineup is led by American director Rob Minkoff, who is most known for his Academy Award winning film “The Lion King.” Jury members Silvio Gayoqi, Sergei Dvortskoy, Majid Makidi, Simon West, Cao Baoping and Carina Lau also appeared on the red carpet.

This year's event was held at the State Production Base of China Film Group, a filming base located in Yangsong Township of Huairou District. A 270-degree ring screen was used for the first time, and all the programs were produced and directed by filmmakers.

This year's BJIFF hosts a total of 27 events in six different sections, including the opening and closing ceremonies, carnival, the Beijing Panorama, Beijing market and forums focusing on diverse themes.

BJIFF 2019 will open with a China-Kazakhstan jointly produced film “Composer,” which is about Chinese composer Xian Xinghai and his experience in Almaty. It is also the first film made through a cooperated by the two countries.

During the next few days, jury members will decide the winners of the 10 categories for the Tiantan Awards among the 15 nominated films.

(CGTN)