This year's China-Britain Film Festival is underway in London, showcasing a diverse catalogue of Chinese films.

Chinese actress Dilraba and actor Zhang Yunlong attends the China-Britain Film Festival. [Photo: Xinhua]

It's also designed to try to increase cooperation between the Chinese and UK film industries.

First held in 2013, the annual China International Film Festival London has now upgraded its title to become the China-Britain Film Festival.

The festival is meant to show off some of the best films produced in China, as well as promote Chinese culture and provide a platform for exchanging ideas in the film industry.

Organizers hope the festival's expansion will allow more people to better-appreciate Chinese filmmaking.

Kong Xiangxi is the President of the China-Britain Film Festival.

"During the festival, we hope Chinese films can be better presented. We also hope directors, like Feng Xiaogang, who represent Chinese filmmakers, can come to Britain and show the country what China is like today, including letting them know what modern Chinese filmmakers are like and how profound Chinese culture is. Besides, we are also promoting our culture to the outside world, improving our relationships and contributing to the 'One Belt, One Road' strategy."

The Screening Week for this year's festival is now underway.

Eleven popular Chinese films will be screened in various theatres around London, including "Mr. Six," "Monkey King: Hero is Back" and "Chongqing Hot Pot."

The UK's Film Screening Week will take place in China in November.

Chinese actress Yan Bingyan is a jury member at this year's film festival.

"Actually, this event represents communication. Thorough this film festival, English audiences will get to know what kind of films are popular in China and Chinese people will get an idea of what the film industry is like in England."

This year's festival features an exciting range of award-winning films among the over 40 works being screened, including acclaimed crime drama "Mr. Six," which stars actor/director Feng Xiaogang in the leading role.

Feng is this year's Image Ambassador of the Festival, following in the footsteps of Fan Bingbing, Yang Mi and Li Bingbing.

"This festival serves as a bridge. The opportunity enables British audiences to watch Chinese movies. It is good that the organizers put various types of modern Chinese movies on the list."

The awards for this year's film festival have already been handed out.

It was Duan Yihong winning the 'Best Actor Award' for his role in "The Dead End," which also earned the 'Best Film Award.'

Gong Li has taken home the 'Best Actress Award' for her performance in "Monkey King: Hero is Back."

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