The highlight of this year's Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) was the British Film showcase; a first for the Festival with screenings of the most original and cutting edge films recently to come out of the UK.

Every year, the British Council submits British films to be considered for screening at SIFF, and this year the organisers of the Festival picked an unprecedented number, 21 in total, to go on show.

This provided a British focus for the Festival, which represents a real change from the usual concentration of American films that dominate in China. To capitalise on this opportunity, colleagues organised various interactive wrap-around events for the public, adding to the 30,000 fans of British films who have headed into the cinemas to watch them on the big screen already this year. Tickets sold out ten days in advance.

We also organised an exclusive screening of ON A CLEAR DAY for the Alumni. This award-winning Scottish film was well received by the audience even though this film does not enjoy any famous scenes or internationally recognized  stars. The film combined typical scenes of the Scottish seaside  with very vivid human emotions such as despair and lack of self respect. Skillfully done, the clever juxtaposition of water and emotions has led to a very touching movie. Please find some of the comments made by members of the audience attached on the left.