Zhang Yimou is best known for his 1991 film "Raise the Red Lantern" and his 2004 title "House of Flying Daggers," both of which were nominated for Oscars. He has been recently appointed chief director for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In directing the ceremonies, Zhang will have the support of an international team including multi-Oscar winning Hollywood director Steven Spielberg.

Zhang says that this "brainstorming of Eastern and Western artists" will give the Games an international flavour while retaining essential Chinese characteristics.

The following interview is reproduced from the forthcoming issue of Beijing 2008, published by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

When did you first time watch the Olympic Games?

The 1984 Games, in Los Angeles. At that time, I enjoyed watching gala performances.

Which opening ceremony impressed you most?

The scenes of athletes lighting the Olympic flame have impressed me most, especially at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, when the flame was lit by a burning arrow. At the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, it was quite spectacular when Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic flame at the centre of a waterfall. The Australians had a perfect combination of fire and water.

I also enjoy watching the athletes entering the stadium. This could last more than an hour. To see so many athletes of different races and colours makes me feel that the world is just so big.

You're always good at using Chinese elements in your work. What kind of Chinese elements are you going to use this time?

As a matter of fact, there are just too many well-known Chinese elements, such as lanterns, kites and Peking operas. There are also many aspects of Chinese culture that few people know. For instance, I saw many different kinds of performances when I went to Yunnan to collect folk arts. They are absolutely new to people outside.

Do you plan to use some of these lesser-known Chinese elements?

I hope so. I want some variations.

Of course, the Olympics is part of the world's cultural legacy. We will not only show our Chinese culture, but also promote the Olympic ideals and show the international solidarity and the Olympic spirit of a great peaceful gathering.

Steven Spielberg is an advisor to the opening ceremony of the Games. What suggestions has he made?

Steven is a busy person. He had not been to China for 18 years. But he flew here to stay for four days for this occasion. He says he doesn't want to be an honorary advisor. He intends to give some concrete suggestions. This is an excellent team, comprising outstanding individuals like him. In the next two years leading up to the Games, we'll absorb and combine all kinds of suggestions.

Since this team is so big, will it mean diverse opinions and, eventually, a loss of distinguishing features?

We'll be careful about this. Because the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games are art shows by nature, we of course must have our own characteristics and distinguishing features. Luckily, it's been decided that the team of directors will have the final say, no matter how many advisors we'll have. We hope the opening and closing ceremonies will have distinct characteristics. To be director of the ceremonies is a great privilege for me.

But you'll have to sacrifice a lot, such as shooting movies?

Yes. I'll finish the job on hand and then stop shooting movies. There will be many movies to make, but the Olympic Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Chinese people. I am greatly honoured to be able to contribute to the nation.

As an artist, such creative work will be a rare opportunity.

Do you feel pressured by the task?

The directors on the team like to joke to one another, 'you'll know if you're a hero or a criminal of one thousand years on August 8, 2008.' Of course we feel pressure. But I believe in the capabilities of our team members. We cannot do our best if we think about the pressure all the time. I believe our team will do a very good job.

What do you think about the Olympic slogan "One World One Dream?"

I was not expecting such a good slogan. I had expected the Olympic slogan to be political, because usually only we artists mention the word 'dream.' This proves that Chinese society has advanced and become more open, which makes dreams part of the slogan.

What are your expectations of the Beijing Olympic Games?

It will be the most distinguished Olympic Games in history. It'll be best ever in the world in terms of opening and closing ceremonies, services, volunteering and so on. All visitors will not regret making the trip here. As a Chinese, I am confident and I feel proud.

Source: China Daily