China will host its first ever Scottish film festival this weekend in Beijing.

Five feature length films and seven short films will be played, including Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's I Know Where I'm Going and a trilogy of biographical films by Scottish director Bill Douglas about his upbringing in poverty and deprivation.

The "Scottish Cinema of Dreams" festival takes place from March 20 to 23 at the China Film Archive.

"Together, the program will offer a perspective on half a century of Scottish film making in a viewing environment sure to create an overwhelming sensual experience," said Fang Ming, an official with the British Council which is one of the sponsors of the gala.

Other sponsors include the Scottish Government, the China Film Archive and the Beijing Film Academy.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said, "I am delighted that the Scottish Government is working with so many key partners to support the 'Scottish Cinema of Dreams'".

"I am confident that this festival will give pleasure to Chinese film lovers by sharing some of Scotland's best work both behind and in front of the camera with them. "

"The Scottish Government is committed to strengthening and growing its film links between Scotland and China," said Salmond.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2009)