The Shanghai International Film Festival, also known as the SIFF, kicked off on Saturday. The event has entered its 14th year, and in that time has become one of the biggest and star-studded film festivals in Asia.

The Shanghai International Film Festival, also known as the SIFF, kicked off on Saturday. The event has entered its 14th year, and in that time has become one of the biggest and star-studded film festivals in Asia.

Over 300 international and local filmmakers, actors, and celebrities attended the opening ceremony at the Shanghai Grand Theater. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his wife Wendi Deng, Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon and Hollywood heartthrob actors Matt Dillon and Mischa Barton were among the A-list guests who graced the red carpet.

With a rather short history, SIFF has been dedicated to building a professional platform for filmmakers around the world. The Golden Goblet Awards will be the festival highlight. This year it has drawn 1,519 entries from 102 countries and regions to compete in various categories. A short-list of 16 films have been chosen for the awards.

Barry Levinson, Oscar-winning director of Rain Man, will chair the jury panel for the Golden Goblet Award. He introduces the seven-member jury panel including British film maker Christopher Hampton, Japanese director Yoichi Sai, Vietnamese-French director Tran Anh Hung, Chinese film director Wang Quan'an and Chinese actress Zhang Jingchu. Japanese director Shunji Iwai will lead the jury panel for the Asian New Talent Award.

Chinese director Feng Xiaogang has received an award for "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Cinema". He is the most successful commercial filmmaker whose comedy films do consistently well at the box office.

Feng Xiaogang, director, said, "I don't know any director whose films are loved by all people. As a filmmaker, I always remind myself to be open to all kinds of feedback. This trophy truly means a lot to me, because it is a commitment to my previous efforts in this industry and it is great encouragement to my future works. Thank you Shanghai International Film Festival!"

The 14th SIFF also promises to serve up a cornucopia for movie fans. More than 200 films will be screened in 24 cinemas around town. With tickets between 40 and 60 yuan, cinema goers get real value for the money on the best of the newest and most remarkable films from all over the world.

Movies of various genres will cater to the taste of different audiences, from Oscar-winning blockbusters, classics and acclaimed documentaries to low-budget, art-house movies. Many of them are the latest offerings by well-known producers and directors.

Miao Min, cinema goer, said, "I'm a big fan of SIFF's participating films. In the past four years, I always went to find some of my favorite movies to watch, and this year's lineup is the best ever in my opinion. My favorite one this year is the 3D documentary 'Pina' which is directed by Wim Wenders. I got up at 4 in the morning and waited in a long queue and finally purchased two tickets."

Nao Nao, cinema goer, said, "To me the festival is a holiday for film fans like me. I just watched a Japanese film and I'm thinking to see one more for today. Japanese movies are my preference and I find tickets are sold really fast."

This year's Shanghai International Film Festival will also feature forums, workshops, industry summits and master classes discussing trends in the industry. The 14th Shanghai International Film Festival runs until June 19.