Jia Zhangke

Chinese director Jia Zhangke has formally launched his new venture: a filmmaking school in his native Shanxi Province staffed by top industry talent, including well-known Chinese directors.

The film academy is affiliated with the existing Communication University of Shanxi, which trains many graduates to enter media regulatory bodies and the television and film industry.

"As a filmmaker, I am grateful for this opportunity that allows me to do even more for cinema," Jia said in a speech at the event as the academy's first dean on April 17.

Jia, 52, born in Shanxi, is considered one of the sixth-generation directors in Chinese film industry. Jia has garnered international praise and awards with representative works including Mountains May Depart, Still Life, and A Touch of Sin. In view of his outstanding achievements in the Chinese film industry, Jia was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in 2015.