A scene in Wei Te-sheng's epic film "Seediq Bale." [Photo: douban.com]

A scene in Ann Hui's drama "A Simple Life." [Photo: CRI]

Two Chinese films will contend for the coveted Gold Lion award at the 68th Venice International Film Festival in September, Xinhuanet.com reports.

Festival organizers have announced that Ann Hui's drama "A Simple Life" and Wei Te-sheng's epic film "Seediq Bale" will compete with 20 other films for the top award during the 11-day event which runs from August 31 to September 10.

Director Ching Siu-tung's fantasy movie "It's Love", starring Jet Li, will be screened out of competition.

Previous reports have said Chinese director Jia Zhangke would chair the Orizzonti jury at the film festival.