Zhang Yimou, chief director for the opening and closing ceremonies of next year's Olympic Games, is short listed for the 2007 Green Chinese Awards, the China Environment Culture Promotion Association (CECPA) announced on Monday.

Zhang Yimou, chief director for the opening and closing ceremonies of next year's Olympic Games, is short listed for the 2007 Green Chinese Awards. [File photo]

The well-known Chinese director is one of the 24 nominees for the 10 awards.

The candidates also include two other movie directors Zhang Jizhong and Feng Xiaogang, who were selected from 280 nominees by way of online polls, telephone votes as well as a group of judges.

"The 'green' filmmakers show China’s entertainment industry is paying more attention to environmental issues," Wang Panpu, secretary-general of the CECPA, was cited as explaining why more artists were nominated.

"Zhang Yimou was concerned about environmental protection when he directed 'Curse of the Golden Flower'", explained Wang.

"The director is also trying to highlight green issues in next year's Olympic ceremonies."

Reports say Zhang managed to preserve Wulong scenic spot in Southeast China's Sichuan Province when he shot the historical epic by having the grass replanted before leaving the area.

According to Wang Ning, director of BOCOG Culture and Ceremonies Department, Zhang plans to embody the idea of a "Green Olympics, technological Olympics and Cultural Olympics" in the opening and closing ceremonies of next year's Games.

Filmmaker Zhang Jizhong has attracted attention for the Awards as well. He was in the bad books in 2006 when his crew damaged Jiuzhaigou National Park during filming.

"Zhang [Jizhong] has made great improvements after he was accused of spoiling environment," noted Wang.

"Since then he has taken an active role in promoting the environment, having an environment supervisor in his film crew and even refusing to shoot what might potentially damage the natural environment. "

The Green Chinese Award was launched in 2005 by CECPA, annually picking 10 notable figures who contribute to environment protection.

"The 'Green' Award was established to encourage the public to participate in environmental protection," said Pan Yue, deputy minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

As water pollution is the main concern this year, the Green Persons of 2007 should make contributions to water treatment or water-related issues," according to CECPA.

The candidates will go through several selection rounds before the winners are announced on December 14.