The 2016 Beijing International Film Festival has opened with a star-studded lineup. Among the headliners is Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, here to introduce a special screening of her directorial debut.

Natalie Portman in Beijing for her directorial debut?

'A Tale of Love and Darkness' is based on an autobiographical novel of the same name by Israeli author Amos Oz. The film was shot in Jerusalem and is told entirely in Hebrew. It premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Along with wearing her director's hat, Portman also took a starring role.

"When you come to a new place...the universality of the story," she said.

Portman has had an avid following in China since her first appearance as an actress in Luc Besson's 'Leon: The Professional' in 1994, which enjoys cult status across much of Asia.

Her Oscar-winning performance in 2010's 'Black Swan' is also a fan favorite in China. And coming to the capital now, she says, is a special moment.

Portman is currently shooting 'Jackie', a biopic about former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The film is also scheduled to screen in China.

The Beijing International Film Festival is screening 500 films, from more than 2,000 submitted from around a hundred nations. Fifteen titles will compete for the Tiantan Award, which will be presented at the closing ceremony on April the 23rd.