Zhang Yimou
Born: November 14 1951
Where: Shaanxi, China
The celebrated director - whose nickname LouMouzi means Old Schemer - attracted international attention with his feature debut Red Sorghum.
After studying cinematography at the Beijing Film Academy, he became a leading member of China's Fifth Generation of Filmakers.
As well as starring in Red Sorghum (and dating co-star Gong Li), he also picked up a best actor award at the Tokyo Film Festival for Old Well.
He was the first Chinese filmaker to be recognised by the Academy Awards when he was nominated for Ju Dou in 1990 and Raise The Red Lantern in 1991.
Subsequent movies included The Story of Qiu Ju, To Live and Shanghai Triad.
In 1997 he directed the Puccini opera Turandot in Florence with the acclaimed Italian conductor Zubin Mehta.
Two years later The Road Home won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Recent work includes the Chinese historical saga Hero with Jet Li and Maggie Cheung and the acclaimed House of Flying Daggers.
