Zhang Yimou to bring Oct 1 to life

The brain behind the stunning opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang Yimou will direct the country's 60th anniversary celebrations as well, officials said yesterday.

The 57-year-old acclaimed filmmaker from Shaanxi has been assigned the task of organizing the once-in-a-decade National Day celebrations on Oct 1, a senior Beijing municipal government official, who did not want to be named, said.

Zhang Jigang, one of the vice-directors of the 2008 Olympic ceremonies, has confirmed he will team up with Zhang Yimou to put up a grand show.