China's actors-turned directors

Xu Jinglei: Miss do-it-all

Chinese actress and director Xu Jinglei poses in black white. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese actress and Xu Jinglei is widely praised in China as cai nv (才女), or the talented female. Aside from acting and directing, she's known for her calligraphy (a font named after her was created) and her literary works.

In 2004, Xu's film Letter from an Unknown Woman won her the award for Best Director at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. Her versatility in directing is recognized in China, from artistic films such as Letter to commercial blockbusters like Go La La Go! (2010)

Her latest film, A Place Only We Know, is to hit theaters in 2015.