The 14th Beijing International Film Festival kicked off in the Chinese capital's northern outskirts on Thursday, drawing more than 370 stars and filmmakers from home and abroad to share their insights into new movies and the prospects for China's film industry.

With a record submission of over 1,500 films from 118 countries and regions competing for the festival's top honor, the Tiantan Awards, the annual festival will unveil the 10 awards selected from 15 nominated films during its closing ceremony on April 26.