The film A Time to Love directed by famous Chinese director Huo Jianqi will compete for the Jin Jue Award in the upcoming 8th Shanghai International Film Festival.

Chinese film Gimme Kudos and 15 other foreign films will be competing for the award as well.

Starring Zhao Wei, A Time to Love focuses on the values and concepts of Chinese people in love.

Although the film does not have grand scenes or beautiful language, it touches people with a simple idea that true love does exist in this world.

The story of the film is like a Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet. Two childhood playmates grow up together and become lovers. Their families live in the same compound but they have a mysterious history that no one is willing to reveal or even mention. Feudal hatred is unable to destroy the love they have for one another, but family morale stops them from going any further. They decide that only time, and love can dissolve the family feud. So they wait for 12 years.

Director Huo Jianqi has won many prizes these years. In 2002, his Life Show was awarded the Best Feature Film, Best Actress, Best Photography at the Shanghai International Film Festival. His film, Warm was awarded the Gold Kylin Prize of the 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival in 2003, and was also awarded the Best Feature Film and the Best Screenplay of the 16th Chinese Golden Rooster Prize.

Shanghai International Film Festival is one of the most important event for the film industry in China. This year the festival will be held from June 11 to 19.

(CRI June 8, 2005)