SYDNEY, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Film Week kicked off in Sydney on Wednesday night, bringing Aussies the best of recent Chinese cinema spanning action, drama, romance and more.

The free event runs from Feb. 27 till March 3, located at Event Cinemas in the heart of the city and is an initiative of Sydney's China Cultural Centre (CCCS).

Oscar nominated director, Lyu Yue's 2018 drama, "Lost, Found" opened the festival, following an address by attending dignitaries.

"The free Chinese Film Week program has been curated to offer Sydney audiences a rare chance to enjoy the most exciting Chinese cinema from the past few years," CCCS director Chen Shuang said.

"The initiative aims to connect with lovers of the arts, whilst tightening bonds and experiences between international audiences and broadening the appeal of Chinese cinema."

In the lineup of films is last year's mindbender of a cross-cultural production, "Animal World" which stars Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, while on the lighter side are comedies "Hello Billionaire" and "Detective Chinatown 2," as well as 2015's heartfelt Manga adaption "Go Away Mr Tumour."

Those looking for something grittier can enjoy historical epic "Brotherhood of Blades" or for crime lovers, "The Wasted Times" delves into complex underworld dealings and stars a famous face many Aussies may recognize, Memoirs of a Geisha star and Golden Globe nominee, Zhang Ziyi.