Luo Yang, deputy director general of the China Film Administration, said bilateral cooperation has deepened since the signing of the China-UK Film Co-production Agreement in 2014. Co-productions including documentary Born in China and animation Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year have been critically acclaimed, Luo said.

"The premiere of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru at the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival in June would be the testament to the profound friendship and cooperation between China and the UK," she said.

The China Film Festival, which is a pivotal platform for deepening Sino-foreign film cultural exchange, offers the British audience the opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm of Chinese films and help them foster a better understanding of Chinese culture.

At its opening night, One and Only (2023) was screened. Directed by Da Peng, the film tells the story of a young man who went all out to overcome challenges to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional street dancer. The film received applause from the audience for its twisting storyline and the performances of its main protagonists Huang Bo and Wang Yibo, as well as supporting actors.

The other five Chinese films that will be screened at the Prince Charles Cinema in central London include The Wandering Earth 2 (2023), Papa (2023), Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023), Lighting Up the Stars (2022) and Love Never Ends (2023).