Zhang Yimou (Director, Co-Writer, Producer)
Ever since his directorial debut, 'Red Sorghum' (1987) won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, Zhang Yimou has established his reputation as one of the most talented and influential directors today.
Zhang Yimou was born in China in 1950 and studied cinematography at the Beijing Film Academy. He became a leading member of China's Fifth Generation Filmmakers, the first group to graduate following the turbulent Cultural Revolution. He is an accomplished actor, starring in 'Red Sorghum' as well as earning the Best Actor Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival for his performance in 'Old Well' (1986). Zhang Yimou is also a skilled cinematographer, with credits including 'Yellow Earth' (1984), 'Old Well' (1986), and 'The Big Parade' (1986).
Zhang Yimou has received multiple honours as a director. He is the first Chinese filmmaker to receive Motion Picture Academy recognition, being nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category for 'Ju Dou' in 1990, 'Raise the Red Lantern' in 1991, and 'HERO' in 2003. He has earned numerous top honors, including the Silver Lion at the 44th Venice International Film Festival for 'Raise the Red Lantern' (1991), the Golden Lion Award at the 45th Venice International Film Festival for 'The Story of Qiu Ju' (1992), the Grand Jury Prize at the 47th Cannes International Film Festival for 'To Live' (1994), the Golden Lion Award at the 52nd Venice International Film Festival for 'Not One Less' (1999), the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for 'The Road Home' (1999) and the Alfred Bauer Award for 'HERO' (2003).
'HERO' went on to sweep the board at the 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards, winning awards for Best Action Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
- Filmography
- HERO (2003)
- Happy Times (2000)
- The Road Home (1999)
- Not One Less (1999)
- Keep Cool (1997)
- Lumiere and Company (1995)
- Shanghai Triad (1995)
- To Live (1994)
- The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)
- Raise the Red Lantern (1992)
- The Puma Action (1989)
- Red Sorghum (1987)
