Jackie Chan gala will debut at Shanghai film festival next year

Jackie Chan welcomes his friend and film star Jean-Claude Van Damme today at the Shanghai International Film Festival. (Photo: Shanghai Daily)

The Jackie Chan Action Movie Gala will be featured as a new regular program at the Shanghai International Film Festival beginning next year, organizers said.

The gala aims to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the action film genre while also displaying the latest trends in cinematography and special effects.

Chan is one of the most influential Chinese kung fu stars. He has earned international prestige and popularity for his blend of stunning fight scenes, incredible stunts and sense of humor.

He has appeared in more than 150 films, which have grossed more than 10 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion) at the global box office.

Chan said the gala would provide insight into action films and how film crews work to make action and fight scenes more realistic.