Before the official opening of the second Beijing International Film Festival on Monday, events have been held over the weekend including multiple screenings and a film carnival, to raise excitement across the capital. Local filmgoers will be treated to nearly 300 films from China and around the world.

Award-winning Iranian film "A Separation" hit the big screens across Beijing before it will open at the second Beijing International Film Festival.

Focused on an Iranian middle-class couple who separate, the film has won major international awards including Berlin’s Golden Bear for Best Film, Silver Bears for Best Actress and Best Actor and both the Best Foreign Language Film awards from the Golden Globes and Oscars.