FUZHOU, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 10th Silk Road International Film Festival has attracted nearly 500 films from 84 countries and regions to compete for awards.

Twenty participating films have been shortlisted for 10 awards, organizers said at the festival's launch ceremony in Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian Province, on Monday evening.

Film screenings began on Saturday, and there are nine main events on the festival's agenda, including forums, an exhibition session, and the "Golden Silk Road Awards" selection.

More than 200 film screenings are scheduled in Fujian and Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The location of the film festival alternates between Xi'an and Fuzhou to promote film-industry exchanges among Belt and Road partner countries.