On Monday, Chinese actress Gong Li was appointed to be the chair of the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival's jury.

Gong's appointment was a first since there had been no prior appointed female president in the festival's jury.

Following her appointment, Gong said that she was honored to be the head of the jury, and to be able to work with the best from the film sector around the globe, adding that she, along with other jurors would select the best films which touched people's hearts the most.

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The Chinese actress has also held previous top positions at the Venice International Film Festival, where she won a major award, and the Berlin International Film Festival.

The Shanghai International Film Festival was established in 1993 and is among the top international film events in the country. SIFF was also headed by John Woo, Jean-Jacques Annaud and Luc Besson.

This year, the international film event will take place from June 14 until June 22.

Gong Li was launched in the movie Red Sorghum in 1987 directed by Zhang Yimou, who became more popular in China due to his one child policy violation story.

On May 16, a new movie has been set to hit the big screens entitled "Coming Home," where Gong Li and prolific director Zhang reunite once again. The movie would also be screened in an out of competition slot in the upcoming Cannes Festival.

The festival has also released a list of around 100 people to help this year's edition of the Golden Goblet Award. The list includes movie makers, film critics, scholars and even students and has been published on two local media outlets.

The other jurors who were selected for this year's film fest would be announced in the coming weeks.

Gong Li said that the Shanghai International Film Festival has played an important role in showcasing to the world China's filmmaking industry and the country's culture.

TagsGong Li, Shanghai International Film Festival, Cannes Festival, John Woo, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Luc Besson