London has its day as Chinese film fest rings in Year of the Dog

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, London is hosting the largest festival of Chinese culture seen in the British capital.

The three-month China in London carnival includes a film festival that will feature some of the country' s best movies, from new titles to classic films and animation.

Chris Berry, a professor of film and television studies at London's Goldsmiths College, who helped organise the event, says it reflects China's growing presence on the world stage.

'London audiences have reasonable opportunities to see Chinese movies with events such as the London Film Festival and seasons at the National Film Theatre,' he says.

'But what's important is that, by having more events such as these and by bringing all the different strands together, it helps to emphasise how incredibly important China has become.'

Berry, who has studied Chinese film for more than a decade, says the move to host such a lengthy and wide-ranging event is 'in response to the interest and excitement' centred on the China in London celebration.