Wong Kar Wai (People's Republic of China)
Chinese director Wong Kar Wai has won many international awards and is one of the most important representatives of world cinema. His unique and extraordinary style has inspired countless filmmakers and made him a cult figure of contemporary auteur cinema. He made his directorial debut in 1988 with As Tears Go By. In 1994, he achieved his international breakthrough with Chungking Express, followed by Fallen Angels (1996, Berlinale Forum) and Happy Together (1997), for which he won the Award for Best Director in Cannes. He captivated still another generation of European moviegoers with the nostalgic love story In the Mood for Love (2000, César 2001), as well as with his next film, 2046 (European Film Award 2004). My Blueberry Nights (2007) was the first film that Wong Kar Wai shot in the USA and cast with Hollywood stars. His latest film, the epic martial arts drama The Grandmaster, will be the opening film of the 63rd Berlinale.