Famous Chinese actress Gong Li answers questions at a small-scale press conference ahead of the 2nd China-France Film Festival which opened on Monday evening, May 14, 2012, in Paris. [CRIENGLISH Photo]

A total of 10 new Chinese films and 4 classic animation pictures will make their debut in France at the 2nd China-France Film Festival which opened on Monday evening in Paris. Both Chinese Culture Councilor to France Lv Jun and president of Electric and Musical Industries Ltd. Jerome Seydoux expect the event to promote both Chinese and French films in their respective countries.

China's film production has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2011, a total of 563 films were produced in China, increasing from 65 films made in 1998. However, only around five films would enter the French market each year.

For this reason, Jérome Seydoux, president of Electric and Musical Industries Ltd and chairman of the Pathe Film Group, explained that he chose to take an active part in the film festival.

"I think it's odd that nowadays few Chinese films are staged in France even though Chinese people know a little bit about French films. I think bigger efforts should be made to promote exchanges in the film industry, and I will try my best." Jerome said.

China and France signed a cooperation deal on co-production in April 2010. Under such framework, a first-ever China-France Film Festival, which aimed to promote Chinese films and motivate the film industry in the two countries, was held successfully in 2011.

Chinese Culture Councilor to France, Lv Jun, said that, in light of the success of the first film festival, he holds high expectations for the next one.

"I hope the film festival will help arouse French audience's interests, paving the way for outstanding Chinese movies to enter the French film market." Lv said.

The organizing committee for the film festival also invited Chinese actress Gong Li to be the event's image ambassador. "I Know What Women Want" starring Gong Li was selected to play at the opening ceremony. The ten selected Chinese films also included "Love for Life" directed by Gu Changwei and "Under the Hawthorn Tree" by director Zhang Yimou. Gong Li expressed heartfelt wishes that people in France would come to love China through films.

"I hope these Chinese films become popular in France, through which French people will be impressed by China's modernization and discover another perspective to the country. They could develop their understanding of China through these films." Gong said.

French actor Alain Delon and actress Anne Fontaine were the event's other image ambassadors.

The 2nd Sino-French Film Festival will be held until June 12 with 10 new Chinese films and 4 classic animations to debut in seven cities in France.