Pune, Nov 3 (ANI): The eight-day long fifth Asian Film Festival in Pune is showcasing a select Japanese films dedicated to ace Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosowa, and another special section at the festival is a tribute to eminent filmmaker, the late Ingmar Bergman.

The festival will showcase over 70 films from 16 different countries.

The focus of the festival this year is on Chinese cinema with as many as sevenhinese films being showcased.

Noted Bollywood Director Madhur Bhandarkar inaugurated the fifth Asian Film Festival in Pune on Thursday.

Asian Film Foundation President Kiran V. Shantaram, actor and convenor of the festival Mohan Agashe, actress Ashvini Bhave, Indira School of Communication Director Pradeep Dixit and festival directors Virendra Chitrav and Satish Jakatdar were also present on the occasion.

Bhandarkar, who is known for films like "Chandini Bar", "Traffic Signal" and "Page 3" to name a few, was happy over his films being screened every year at the festival.

"I feel very happy that every year one of my films is showcased here. Festivals such as these are very important because one gets to interact with a host of people from the film fraternity and also to see different kinds of films and to meet filmmakers from other countries," said Bhandarkar.

Noted film producer Yash Chopra, who was to receive the Zenita Asia Award, could not make it to inaugural ceremony due to health reasons. He is expected to be present on the final day.

The eight-day festival is a joint initiative of Aashay Film Club and Indira School of Communication, in association with the Asian Film Foundation, Mumbai.

Films lovers from across the country were seen mingling with their favourite directors and actors at the film fest.

"When I attended the Asian Film festival last time we saw some wonderful movies. I got to see a number of films from our neighbouring countries and it was a really enriching experience," said Gauri Deshmukh. (ANI)