The third Pingyao International Film Festival unveiled its curtain Thursday night at the 2,700-year-old city of Pingyao, Shanxi province, with 54 films from around the world to be shown.

Over half of the films, solicited from 27 countries and regions, are world premieres.

The movies to be aired during the festival include Cannes Award-winning "Atlantique", Tibetan director Pema Tseden's "Balloon", and renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Jacob Cheung's new production "The Opera House".

According to Jia Zhangke, famous Chinese director and initiator of the festival, this year's event will highlight local elements of Shanxi province to allow audiences get to know more local filmmakers. A total of five local movies will be screened at the festival.

Renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou and Xie Fei will also attend the film festival.

Themed "One to Everyone", this year's festival will last until October 19.