Domestic production The First Day of Spring (Lichun) will not be able to compete for the Golden Lion.

 

The Venice Film Festival announced yesterday all of its 21 films in the competition.

 

But The First Day of Spring directed by award winner Gu Changwei failed to enter as it hasn't finished post-production.

 

Hong Kong director Johnnie Du and Taiwan director Cai Mingliang will have their productions premiered at the festival.

 

The film festival will kick off on August 30th. 

 

(CRI July 28, 2006)