Luan Zhang

Chinese film maestro Luan Zhang, born in 1962 in Beijing, China, began his active filmmaking years in the late 1980s. Primarily known for his works in the drama genre, Zhang's most famous films include 'The Story of Qiu Ju' and 'Raise the Red Lantern', both of which have garnered international acclaim and several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. His authorial style is characterised by a profound exploration of human emotion, often delivered through a starkly realistic lens and unflinching attention to detail. Zhang, much like the characters in his films, is a relentless force of nature, never shying away from the harsh realities of life, yet always finding a sliver of hope amidst the despair.