Asian films step on

Asian films step on

In recent years, Chinese films have asserted a strong oriental influence. Directors Ang Lee and Jia Zhangke have three Golden Lion Awards. This year, Jia brought his 17-minute short, "Cry Me A River." It's the first love story he's ever made. It's not in the competition but the film is being eagerly anticipated by Venice filmgoers. The only Chinese film in competition for the top award is Plastic City. The film draws its cast and crew from five nations. It tells a story about a gang of Chinese counterfeiters operating in Brazil.

This year's big surprise from Asia comes from Japan. Three top Japanese film makers are in contention for the top prize. Takeshi Kitano is a frequent visitor to Venice. He has a Golden Lion and a Best Director award. For his fifth trip down the red carpet in Venice, he's brought his film, "Achilles and the Tortoise". World famed animator Hayao Miyazaki brought his long-awaited "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea". The third Japanese film entered is Maroru Oshii's "The Sky Crawlers."

The festival has been criticized in recent years for being too Hollywood heavy. This year it's heavily weighted toward the host country Italy. But the festival's director Marco Mueller says the selections this year were based on the quality of the films and nothing else.

(CCTV September 8, 2008)