Zhang Xiaoling, more commonly referred to by his stage name Zhang Yibai, is a Chinese filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer, born on April 14th, 1963, in Chongqing, China. He initially began his career in the television and music video industries before making his directorial debut with the film Spring Subway in the year 2002.
As a prominent figure in modern Chinese cinema, Zhang has primarily focused on depicting life in contemporary Chinese cities. For instance, his film Spring Subway follows the protagonist as he navigates through Beijing's subway system, while the mystery-thriller Curiosity Killed the Cat takes its characters on a journey through the booming city of Chongqing, which also happens to be Zhang's hometown.
Zhang's subsequent films, including The Longest Night in Shanghai, released in 2007, and Lost, Indulgence, released in 2008, have further solidified his international reputation and success. The Longest Night, starring the renowned Chinese actress Zhao Wei, marked one of the first China-Japan coproductions, while Lost was selected to premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in 2008.
Zhang's continued exploration of themes related to modern Chinese urban life has garnered him widespread recognition and acclaim within the film industry, both domestically and internationally.
