France is holding a Chinese Film Festival, beginning in Strasbourg, near the border with Germany.

France is holding a Chinese Film Festival, beginning in Strasbourg, near the border with Germany.

11 Chinese films, all produced in 2015, will tour 7 French cities. Among them are: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'; fantasy film 'Mojin, the Lost Legend'; animation film 'Monkey King: Hero is Back'; and 'Mao Tai', named after a famous brand of liquor.

"The film tells about the love and hatred between two wine-making families. They finally reunite to create the wine which graces the feast for the founding party of the People's Republic of China. The film shows the passing down of the wine-making business," said Song Jiangpo, director of "Mao Tai".

The Odyssee Theater in Strasbourg has been a pioneer in screening Chinese films.

"We're very proud that we've held 10 month-long Chinese-film screenings in recent years. Our city Strasbourg is the herald of the Chinese film festivals and has prompted screenings in other cities," said Faruk Gunaltay, manager of Odyssee Theater.

"I think movies are a very effective form of communication. I hope they can advance understanding between the two peoples," said Jean Jacques Gsell, vice mayor of Strasbourg.

The Chinese Film Festival will run until the end of June. Among the other cities en route are Lyon, Marseille, and Paris.

The event is co-organized by China's Administration of Radio, Film and Television; the Paris China Culture Center; and France's Pathe Cinema.