The 2005 Australian Film Festival is expected to take place in Beijing on the consecutive weekends of 4 to 6 and 11 to 13 November 2005, according to the Australian Embassy in Beijing. 

The festival will feature Australia's recent top 10 films, including The Extra, Gettin' Square, Mullet, My Mother Frank, Crackerjack, Swimming Upstream, Rabbit Proof Fence, Japanese Story, Three Dollars and The Bank.

"There's something for everyone in this year's selection," said Australian ambassador to China Alan Thomas on Saturday.

"We are sure that Beijing residents will really enjoy these films, and hope this festival will lead to many more Australian films being enjoyed on cinema screens throughout China," Thomas added.

The film festival is the second of its kind in Beijing since it debuted last year, and comedies will top this year's screening list.  

Australian film celebrities will gather in Beijing on the occasion to celebrate the opening of the film festival.  

"Australia has a vibrant and innovative film industry that has made a significant contribution to world cinema," Thomas said.  

The festival is cosponsored by ANZ Bank, the third largest bank in Australia.  

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2005)