The forum also discussed 3-D's development in China. Famed Hong Kong action movie director John Woo expressed the view that there is too much reliance on special effects in Chinese films.

"I fear that if most Chinese films rely on CGI and 3-D, we will lost our tradition. What's worse, many people who are doing 3-D don't have the qualified skills to do so," Woo complained. "3-D films have got no fresh and original stories, many are replying on old stories.

"I heard there are three Monkey King stories and three Guan Yu are in productions," Woo added, referring to the Journey to the West and tales from the Three Kingdoms (220–280) period endlessly recycled on Chinese screens. "Ultimately, it is not the technology but the humanity that matters."

Robert Minkoff (The Lion King) shared much the same view. According to him, whether animations or live-action, 2D or 3-D, it is the human touch that's the essence; only with spirit, soul and personality can a good film be made.

Later that afternoon, the second forum discussed the relations between a city and its film festival.

Cai Fuchao, Director of the State of Administration of Radio, Film and Television, pointed out that Beijing has major film studios, such as the China Film Group and the HY Bros, top talents and many cinemagoers, with an annual 1.2 billion yuan ($0.2 billion) in box-office revenue.

Cinematically at the top of China, the city is proud to have an international film festival to exchange ideas, Cai concluded.

Serge Losique, President of the Montreal World Film Festival replied that he believes a festival tells filmmakers and movie buffs about its host city and other cities and cultures by the medium of film. For instance, the Montreal World Film Festival has shown over 250 Chinese films.

Young people are proud and active about the Locarno International Film Festival, said its president, Marco Solari, describing how local youths attend masterclasses and discuss the festival at parties, while Marco Müller, director of the Venice International Film Festival said the BIFF represents a new methodology for festivals, since, with no competition or awards section, the festival avoids giving too much attention to competitions, which can see good films neglected amid prize publicity.