A total of 184 scientific films, such as 16 Days: Columbia's Final Mission, Minotaur and Explore the Death Valley, are to be shown at the 2004 Beijing International Scientific Film Festival, which began here Monday morning.

The festival organizers, the China Association for Science and Technology and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, selected all the 184 films, which were produced after 2002, from 79 production companies in 19 countries.

An expert panel, consisting of 12 popular scientists and film producers, have narrowed the selection to 68 films, which are eligible for the grand prize and other awards.

Zhao Zhizhen, deputy director of the organizing committee, said that most of the films show recent advancements in science and technology.

Nine experts will deliver speeches on popular science and scientific films at the festival, Zhao said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2004)