Jackie Chan's annual film festival will select 10 of the all-time best action scenes whittled down from 100 classic kung fu movies from around the world, the actor and organizers announced on Thursday.

The selection of classic films includes several starring Chan himself, as well as various other Chinese action megastars such as Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, and action-comedy superstar Stephen Chow. Meanwhile, titles span Ang Lee's Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" to foreign movies like "The Matrix." A total of 100 jurors will cast their vote, while internet users can also vote via an online poll. 

At a press conference held at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Chan explained to attendees why he founded the action film event and the poll, saying: "I have attended many award ceremonies before where the art-house films always won, so I thought this was really unfair for all the actors, actresses, stunt performers and crew working in the action film genre. Now the times have changed, and an action actor must also have acting skills and can also win acting awards. But I still think about how to help those who work behind the scenes in action films."

The veteran actor and cultural icon, who also talked about how he suffered many injuries and wounds during the decades when he performed stunts in his films, added that he wanted to use his star power to make a change and inspire professionals in the action film industry. "I hope, through this event, its activities, and the poll, we can really honor the timeless works created by all the action filmmakers and crew, and help pass them on to generations after generations forever."

When the results are announced on Aug. 8 at the closing ceremony of the 6th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week, they’ll also be archived in the China National Film Museum. The action film festival will run from Aug. 6-8 in Datong, Shanxi province.

Since beginning in 2015, the first five editions of the Jackie Chan International Action Film Week were held with growing international influence. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition had to be canceled. According to Cao Yin, director of the program center at China Movie Channel, this year's event will be held in combination with online and offline activities, including the opening and closing ceremonies, special screenings of kung fu blockbusters, the poll of the top 10 all-time best action scenes, themed forums and exhibitions, as well as live-action role-playing games and virtual reality experience activities. 

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