LONDON - The first China International Film Festival London opened Friday evening at the Central Hall of Westminster.

Supported by the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the British Council, it was attended by famous directors, actors and actresses including Xie Fei, Simon Yam, Jaycee Chan, Huang Yi and Fan Bingbing.

In a message sent to the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming said, "With the increase of exchanges between China and foreign countries, movie has become an important medium to enhance understanding, hoping the festival could be a window to showcase China's culture and social development.

A total of 15 Chinese films, including Lost in Thailand, So Young and Silent Witness, will be screened during the four-day event.

"We hope that this festival could be a Christmas gift to the British people," said Kong Xiangxi, founder of the festival.

He told Xinhua that they had an ambitious plan. "This is only a beginning," he said. "We actually aim to promote the Chinese film festival in five European countries, including Great Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Austria."