EXPECT a Beijing 2022 opening ceremony that is “different” from that of the 2008 Games with a way of cauldron lighting “unprecedented in the over 100-year history of the Olympic Games,” as disclosed by chief director Zhang Yimou.

Zhang, who directed the opening and closing ceremonies for Beijing’s 2008 Games, will be behind the wheel again for the ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The 71-year-old thus become the first man to direct both Summer and Winter Games ceremonies as Beijing makes history as the first dual Olympic city.

“It’s a great honor to direct the opening ceremony for the second time,” Zhang told Xinhua in an exclusive interview, adding that “the burden is very heavy.”

“I hope to make a good impression and create some wonderful moments that will go down in history,” he said.

Recreate, instead of repeat

An elite of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, Zhang had already made himself known with three Academy Awards nominations for best foreign language film for “Ju Dou” (1990), “Raise the Red Lantern” (1991), and “Hero” (2003) among other prizes and recognitions.

The scintillating opening ceremony of the 2008 Games added to his prestige. He also masterminded Beijing’s eight-minute handover performances at Athens 2004 and PyeongChang 2018.

It is because of these profiles that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) decided to appoint him again, according to Chang Yu, director of BOCOG’s opening and closing ceremonies department.

Despite the highly rated 2008 masterpiece, Zhang never thought of repeating it. Besides incorporating characteristics of the Winter Olympics and winter sports to the opening ceremony this time, Zhang pointed out that the theme will not be the same.

“In the wake of the pandemic, the world needs a new and strengthened vision, that is, people of the world come together to face difficulties and look forward to a bright future,” said Zhang, referring to the change of the Olympic Motto which added “Together” to “Faster, Higher and Stronger.”

Therefore, challenging as it is, Zhang is determined to present a “different and unique” opening to the 2022 Games.

Simple, safe and splendid

In line with Beijing’s efforts to stage a “simple, safe and splendid” Games, the opening ceremony will observe the same principle, according to Zhang.

There will not be large-scale performances that stretch for a long time. The number of performers is cut from 15,000 in 2008 to 3,000, with length shorted to less than 100 minutes due to cold weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the quality will not be affected by the decrease in quantity.

After the plan for the opening ceremony was finalized in May 2021 and stage design ready by October, performers began rehearsals in the National Stadium, or the “Bird Nest,” and will make use of the final month to get ready for the eventual gala.

As a much, if not the most anticipated part of the opening ceremony, how the main cauldron will be lit always attract wild guesses. Zhang revealed that his team came up with “a bold idea for the lighting and the design of the main cauldron.” “This time the way of lighting will certainly be different. It’s a major reform of this opening ceremony. It will be unprecedented in the over 100-year history of the Olympic Games,” he said.

He hinted that the design was in line with the concept of environmental protection and low carbon emission, but refused to give more clues, saying “it’s a secret.” (Xinhua)