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Zhang Yimou

2 April 1950 – present

Zhang Yimou is a Chinese film director, producer, and former cinematographer, a leading figure of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers. Known for visually rich films such as Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern, and Hero, he also directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Life events

Born in Xi'an, China
2 April 1950

Zhang was born in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, shortly after the founding of the People's Republic.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied at the Beijing Film Academy
1978 – 1982

After the Cultural Revolution, he entered the cinematography program in the academy's celebrated 1982 class.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Released Red Sorghum
1987

His directorial debut won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Released Raise the Red Lantern
1991

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won a Silver Lion at Venice.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won the Golden Lion for The Story of Qiu Ju
1992

The film won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Released Hero
2002

His wuxia epic became a major international commercial success and was Oscar-nominated.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Directed the Beijing Olympics ceremonies
8 August 2008

Zhang served as chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Directed the Beijing Winter Olympics ceremonies
4 February 2022

He again served as chief director for the ceremonies of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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