Shanghai Int'l Film Festival Kicks off

The 13th Shanghai International Film Festival has kicked off with great fanfare. Liu Yan reports:

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival."

Like any other major international film festivals, all eyes were on the glamorous movie stars and filmmakers on the red carpet at the Shanghai Grand Theater.

There were plenty of funny moments. John Cusack, who recently became a household name in China due to the success of "2012", gave everybody a good laugh.

"Da jia Hao. Da jia zao. OK, what I said is 'Hello, everybody", what you said is 'Good morning'."

So did Takako Tokiwa, a Japanese superstar, whose film "Listen To My Heart" will be shown at the festival.

"I love Shanghai hairy crabs! She said that in Shanghainese. Haha, thank you."

Who would have thought she'd give a shout out to the Shanghai hairy crabs instead of her own film?

And apparently, Tokiwa isn't the only film star who cannot get enough of Shanghai food. Claire Daines and Hugh Dancy, a Hollywood couple that was dubbed by many as the most beautiful two-some of the night, also made their taste plenty clear.

"The food is incredible. We're so happy to be here. Thank you for having us!"

Compared with the red carpet show, the official opening ceremony was more like the dessert after the entree.

Jury President John Woo welcomed everybody and introduced the 7-member international jury panel.

"I'm very happy today to welcome our friends from around the world. It is a pleasure to enjoy good movies."

Woo said through June 20, 300 foreign and domestic films will be screened at 25 cinemas in Shanghai. The Golden Goblet Awards will be handed out on the last day while film salons and workshops will feature industry experts discussing new-media movies and collaborations between Hollywood and Chinese cinema.

After a song and dance performance of "We Are Family", the first day of the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival came to a successful end.

Oscar winner Adrain Brody summed up the experience for everyone.

"What a warm reception! Wow. Hi! This is fantastic. You guys know how to put on a party. Look at this."

He sure has it right. So let's get this movie party started! Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!

For CRI, I'm Liu Yan in Shanghai.