FIVE short films about the preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games shot by world renowned directors are being broadcast by television stations inside and outside China from Thursday.

The five films are on show on China Central Television as well as on Beijing TV, and the national TV stations of Italy, France and Iran while sohu.com will put the films online for viewers across the world.

In July 2006, Beijing invited Giuseppe Tornatore of Italy, Majid Majidi of Iran, Patrice Leconte of France, Daryl Goodrich of Britain and Andrew Lau from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to make a short film each documenting the Chinese preparation for the event.

On Tornatore’s first trip to China, the Italian director made “Reunion,” telling a story of how a group of students and their teacher got back together after 30 years.

It was also the first time Majidi had visited China. He chose his favorite subject, children. In “Colors Fly,” Majidi focused on children looking forward to the Games.

Leconte was also a stranger to Beijing but was soon up to pace with his knowledge of the Chinese capital, and shot “Beijing — A Film Impressionistic,” in which he depicted Beijing through various structures including the Summer Palace and Olympic venues.

Having retired as an athlete, Goodrich found his career in a combination of sport and filmmaking. His five-minute film, entitled “Belief,” focuses on the hard work and thrill of athletic competition.

Hong Kong director Lau, the only Chinese director invited to contribute, showed his love for Chinese food and culture in “Color, Fragrance, Taste Beijing.”

(Xinhua)