Beijing movie fans enjoy sports films (photos attached)

Scene of the opening ceremony

(BEIJING, July 8) -- The third Beijing International Sports Film Festival opened on Sunday to the delight of thousands of movie fans in China's capital.

During the week-long festival, the city's seven big cinemas will screen more than 30 films made by 10 countries free of charge. Film lovers will be able to enjoy "The Big Blue" directed by French director Luc Besson, "Children of Heaven" by Iranian director Majid Majidi and documentaries such as "ZIDANE, a 21st Century Portrait," and other masterworks.

In addition, 315 digital screening vehicles will go to the 1,500 communities across Beijing to give open-air screenings for more watchers.

The festival, the third since 2005, is a major component in the program of the Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival to create a joyful atmosphere in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

The opening ceremony featured over 150 art and sports stars, and spotlighted the official creators of the film for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Officials of different organizations attend the ceremony

Cai Fuchao (2nd, left), director of the Publicity Apartment of the Beijing Municipal CPC Committee attends the ceremony

Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCOG executive vice-president attends the ceremony

Zhao Shi, vice-minister of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television attends the ceremony

Creators of the official film for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Deputy Director of BOCOG Media and Communications Department Wang Hui attend the ceremony