CHINESE actress Zhao Wei is set to fulfill a dream that she has been harboring for the past five years — directing a feature film.

Zhao’s agent confirmed that the wannabe-director has finalized the details of her directorial debut, and that filming is likely to start early next year.

The film, provisionally entitled “To Our Youth That Is Fading Away,” will be an adaptation of the novel of the same name. It will tell the tale of a woman’s emotional struggle with two men whom she meets again many years after their on-campus love triangle.

Stanley Kwan will be the film’s executive producer. Casting is yet to begin.

Zhao is one of the most popular Chinese actresses. She has won best actress awards for her roles in such films as “A Time to Love” (2005), “Painted Skin” (2008), “Mulan” (2009), and “14 Blades” (2010).

In 2006, Zhao became a graduate student studying directing at the Beijing Film Academy. Other alumni include Chen Kaige and Lu Chuan. However, a busy acting career and a short break to become a mother have postponed her graduation.(SD-Agencies)