London, Dec 7 (IANS): The first China International Film Festival has opened at the Central Hall of Westminster here.

Supported by the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the British Council, it was attended Friday by directors, actors and actresses including Xie Fei, Simon Yam, Jaycee Chan, Huang Yi and Fan Bingbing, reported Xinhua.

In a message sent to the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming said: "With the increase of exchanges between China and foreign countries, movie has become an important medium to enhance understanding, hoping the festival could be a window to showcase China's culture and social development.

A total of 15 Chinese films, including "Lost in Thailand", "So Young" and "Silent Witness", will be screened during the four-day event.

"We hope that this festival could be a Christmas gift to the British people," said Kong Xiangxi, founder of the festival.