TIFF brings 'Ten Best' showcase to Beijing

"David Cronenberg was the first filmmaker who showed new ways for Canadian film. He was much more interested in imagination, in the things you couldn't capture in a documentary," says Handling.

In Handling's opinion, Canadian films before the 1990s tended to focus more on subjects close to home. But for the past 20 years the situation has changed significantly as Canadian filmmakers began adopting a more outward-looking stance to the world.

Founded in 1976, the TIFF is often considered a reliable forecast for the outcome of the Academy Awards. Handling, who has been running TIFF since 1994, finds it rewarding to see the festival turn into one of the most important in the world, and see the focus of the international film industry turn to Toronto.

Meanwhile, Chinese films have done well at the festival in recent years. Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi was selected to join the jury in 2016, and acclaimed director Chen Kaige led the jury in 2017.

"I think China has created some of the most incredible films of the past 30 years. And I began to come into contact with Chinese cinema through the works of filmmakers like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige," says Handling.

"Chinese films like House of Flying Daggers hold a certain attraction for commercial audiences, and they speak about China in a different kind of way, which is extraordinary."

Sun Xianghui, director of the China Film Archive, watched the Chinese classic film Struggling together with Canadian audiences during the 42nd TIFF in September.

"I am excited to provide a space that allows Beijing audiences to discover and appreciate Canadian cinema. This partnership will serve as an opportunity to celebrate our common love of films," says Sun.

John McCallum, Canada's ambassador to China, is delighted that Canadian cinema is coming to Beijing and "sharing with the world Canada's rich history, diversity and unique perspectives".