The 12th Shanghai International Film Festival opened over the weekend. Two Chinese films are in the running for the coveted Jin Jue Award, the best film award at the event.

Two vastly different Chinese films are vying for the coveted Best Film or Jin Jue Award at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

The first is "Empire of Silver" a film about the Shanxi traders during the turbulent times in China at the end of the 19th century.

The film is the first full-length feature film by Chinese director, Yao Shuhuang.

Yao Shuhuang, the director of "Empire of Silver" said, "Our objective was to show that the Shanxi traders represented not just a commercial civilization but also an ethical civilization in China. We are very honored to be able to do a film on this topic, and showcase it and enter it in competition. "

Hong Kong actor Aaron Kwok plays the lead role, the third son of a trader family. Kwok says he is loving his new career in acting. He started off in the entertainment business as a singer.

Aron Kwok, actor of "Empire of Silver" said, "I love my work very much. I am full of passion for it and I am very devoted to it. I feel you need these qualities to be a real actor, and of course, you need some talent."

The second Chinese film in competition for the Jin Jue Award is the Tibetan film, "The Search".

The movie is more abstract and natural compared to the big-budget production of "Empire of Silver".

The film tells the story of a road trip across the Tibetan plateau and a film director's search for ideal impersonators of a Prince and Princess for his movie. Tibetan director Pema Tseden led the project -- casting mostly non-professional actors and actresses -- to churn out the film project.

An international jury headed by "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle will be judging the 16 films from across the world vying for the Jin Jue Award. The winner will be announced at the closing ceremony of Shanghai Film Festival.

(CCTV.com June 17, 2009)