Zhang Yimou to Direct Olympic Ceremonies  4/17/06

Acclaimed Chinese film-maker Zhang Yimou will direct the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Raise the Red Lantern and House of Flying Daggers director will work alongside Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, who will be an artistic adviser.

Spielberg says, "Our one goal is to give the world a taste of peace, friendship and understanding.

"Through the visual arts, the art of celebration of life, we are dedicated to making this the most emotional opening ceremony ever."

More than 400 proposals for the opening ceremony were submitted to the Beijing Olympic Committee, and elements from the best five have been commissioned.

Zhang says, "I'm very honored to become executive director of the ceremonies.

"To complete it will require the efforts of the whole team and the advisers from home and abroad.

"I make a solemn promise to the Chinese people I will complete the task beautifully and successfully."