As one of the most prestigious honors in China, the Golden Rooster Awards were launched in 1981. Starting in 2005, it merged with Hundred Flowers to be presented in alternate years.

However, the Golden Rooster Awards will be held annually from now on, with honors presented in Xiamen for at least five years.

Actor and director Xu Zheng said at an earlier festival forum that the change was made because China has a huge market and enough films to compete annually.

According to the China Film Administration, the country's top industry regulator, China produced 1,082 features and grossed 61 billion yuan ($8.7 billion) in box office revenues last year.

Xu said he hopes domestic films will lead the tide of Chinese language movies worldwide, and he encouraged local talent to strive for a high level.