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The film festival celebrating Jin Yong's 100th birthday opens in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

2024 marks a century since the birth of Jin Yong, the legendary wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) novelist.

In his honor, a film festival featuring adaptations of his classic novels was launched in Haining, a county-level city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province.

The festival attracted Hong Kong Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce members, Zhejiang film industry professionals, scholars, and Jin Yong film adaptation experts. The presence of renowned Hong Kong director Wong Jing was a highlight, causing a stir among the audience.

The opening ceremony was graced with an original martial arts-themed performance, followed by the presentation of a hometown edition of The Book and The Sword to the creative team of the festival. The audience was then treated to The Kung Fu Cult Master, after which Wong shared engaging anecdotes and memories of Jin Yong.

The exhibition not only pays homage to Jin Yong's contributions but also perpetuates his ethos of serving the nation and its people. It features six of his novel adaptations.

From June 16 to 23, these films will be screened in Jiaxing cinemas, allowing audiences to revisit the martial arts classics and Jin Yong's riveting narratives.

Haining, Jin Yong's birthplace, is rich in culture and has produced a number of significant figures in China's film industry. The festival aims to rekindle interest in traditional culture, showcasing its timeless appeal in the modern era.