The 2nd Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival (PYIFF) opened in Pingyao, Shanxi province, on Oct 11.

Initiated by Chinese and Italian filmmakers Jia Zhangke and Marco Muller, PYIFF was the fifth international film festival in China approved by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

"This year's film festival theme 'Boutique Festival for the People' has hopes of taking film screening back to a larger range of audiences at the ancient town and inspiring people to rethink the origins of film in the contemporary context," said Jia.

The 10-day event will screen 55 films from 25 countries and regions in 10 sections such as Crouching Tigers (directorial debuts or second features worldwide), Hidden Dragons (exceptional genre films worldwide) and New Generation China (latest work from young Chinese directors) sections.

The second Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival (PYIFF) opens in the Ancient City of Pingyao, Oct 11. The second BRICS co-production film Half the Sky was screened as the opening film of the festival. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Guests pose for a group photo at the film festival, Oct 11. Hong Kong film director Johnnie To was given 2018 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon East - West Award at the opening ceremony. [Photo/Xinhua]