The Promise director Chen Kaige is on the list of 2006 Green Chinese of the Year award nominees released yesterday, an honor normally reserved for those who have helped to protect the environment.

 

Chen Kaige came under fire earlier this year for reportedly destroying the natural environment at Shangri-La in Yunnan Province while shooting footage for The Promise.

 

Hundreds of people nominated the director for the green award via the internet arguing that the notorious case against him has helped raise awareness of environmental protection.

 

Last year's winner Liang Congjie admitted he is concerned by the caliber of this year's nominees during an interview with Beijing Star Daily. He said only people who have worked hard to protect the environment should be entitled to the award.

 

The award organizer, the China Environment Culture Promotion Association, did not comment on the nominations. It promised to choose the final winners on the basis of their passion, contribution, and influence in the field of environmental protection. 

 

(CRI October 28, 2006)