Zhang Min

Zhang Min, born Xie Xing in 1906 in Emei City, Sichuan Province, entered the Beiping Art School to study theater in 1925. During this period, he became acquainted with Chen Yi and others, and in 1926 he joined the Communist Party of China. Due to his involvement in anti-imperialist activities, he was arrested. In 1929, he graduated from the Art Department of Beiping University, with his graduation thesis receiving high praise.

In 1931, he participated in the China Left-wing Theater Union and later became an important leader of the organization. During this period, he directed several classic plays, such as *Put Down Your Whip* and *Romeo and Juliet*. During the Anti-Japanese War, Zhang Min wrote and directed numerous plays reflecting social realities, and also achieved significant accomplishments in theater theory and translation.

After 1945, he shifted focus to film, participating in many films as a director and writer. Following the founding of New China, he actively engaged in film education, holding leadership positions at the Beijing Film Academy. He valued the cultivation of teachers, advocated for an education approach rooted in Chinese realities, and promoted the development of film education in China.

He passed away on February 4, 1975, leaving behind a rich body of theatrical and film works and a profound influence.