China's global influence is also growing in the film industry with the China-Britain Film Festival having just opened in London. The two nations have decided to come together to promote cinema by introducing Chinese films to the UK audience with the hope of providing inspiration to connect and share ideas.

Starting in 2013 with distribution of more than 40 Chinese films in Britain, the annual China International Film Festival in London is now in its 4th year and has now been renamed as the China-Britain Film Festival this year.

The festival aims to show off the best Chinese films, promote different aspects of culture, and provide a common ground for exchanging ideas within the film industry.

Kong Xiangxi, president of 2016 China Britain Film Festival.

Supported by both the Chinese and British governments, the China-Britain Film Festival has established itself as one of the most significant Chinese cultural events in the UK as it spreads contemporary culture and presents social issues through profound film languages as well as a vibrant communication towards audiences in both countries.

A total of 11 Chinese films, including "Mr 6", "Song of the Pheonix" and "The Final Master" will be shown to British audiences during the four-day event, which is supported by the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the British Council.

"It's really important that people in the UK can see what's coming from China to make it more accessible and bring it to London so people can go along. When it is part of a film festival it gives it a profile as well so it helps directors and producers in the industry connect into the UK," said Kong Xiangxi, president of 2016 China Britain Film Festival.

Film director Feng Xiaogang and his wife Xu Fan.

"I'm glad to see that the films we've brought here this year cover a wide range of issues. By introducing fresh Chinese movies to the UK, it's a good way of showing industry insiders and audiences a new angle to film making and story-telling," said Feng Xiaogang, film director.

The festival also features a series of forums to motivate filmmakers from both sides to connect and share ideas.