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As the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) got underway Thursday, a host of Chinese films have been lined up to hit festival screens.

Nominated for the New Currents award, "Lan," the directing debut from actress Jiang Wenli, will make its world premiere today.

A still from Jiang Wenli's "Lan" [163.com]

Based on Jiang's life, "Lan" is about a girl and her grandfather who depend on each other in the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976).

"It was always my dream to direct a film about my childhood," Jiang explained. "I wanted to use my own way to tell this heart-warming story. My childhood and my grandpa appeared in my mind more frequently and clearly with age. It was my wish to make this film to commemorate my grandpa who passed away 30 years ago."

Co-director of PIFF Lee Yong-kwan, came to Beijing to watch the fi lm on invitation.

"I had to keep smoking to hold back my tears," Lee said. It's unbelievable that the film was directed by a rookie director. The film is totally beyond my expectation."

Two segments of the three-part film "Chengdu I Love You," will compete in the Gala Presentation section of the festival.

The "past" segment directed by Fruit Chan and the "future"segment directed by rock-star Cui Jian present an insight into the city of Chengdu as it is rocked by earthquakes.

"Summer," directed by rookie He Wenchao, is among one of the six fi lms short-listed for the Short Film award. Night and Fog starring Zhang Jingchu, will compete in the A Window on Asian Cinema section.

"The Message," currently sweeping Chinese cinemas and Sophie's Revenge will also screen at the festival.

PIFF will run until October 16 with a record 355 films from 70 countries on the bill, among which 98 chose to world-premiere, also a record high. "The Message" will close the festival for which a total of 269,332 seats at 36 screens and 6 major theaters have been prepared.

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