AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

Zhang Yimou, 72, won Best Director at the 34th Golden Rooster Awards for his thriller Cliff Walkers. This is his 10th Golden Rooster trophy since 1985, when he won Best Cinematography for Yellow Earth.

The movie marked Zhang’s first foray into the spy genre. Set in1930s northeast China, in the lead-up to World War II, the film follows special agents from the Communist Party of China as they try to complete a secret mission.

“A director is just a craftsman. Thank you to the great actors and scriptwriters who help us accomplish the directorial task,” Zhang said.

Zhang, one of China’s most renowned directors, also unveiled the first-ever winner of the Golden Rooster inaugural international film award: French director Florian Zeller’s The Father.

Dating back to 1981, the prestigious awards are given out annually. This year’s ceremony took place in Xiamen, Fujian Province. requirements for entering the “good” schools, off-campus tutoring, in one form or another, will keep popping up.

The only way out of this conundrum is for schools to continuously improve their educational quality and after-class services. Teachers must devote themselves to their students by carefully reviewing their homework and helping them understand any content they may be struggling with. When supply meets demand, the need for after-school tutoring will naturally evaporate.

Meanwhile, education watchdogs should also remain alert for any cloaked tutoring undertakings to make sure students get some real rest and relaxation over the winter vacation period.