The Chinese film community is in mourning. Three days after prestigious actor Fu Biao passed away at the age of 42, veteran director Sai Fu died of lung cancer on Friday. 

A funeral was held in Beijing on Sunday for the 52-year old ethnic-Mongolian director, who is mostly remembered for his classic hits Genghis Khan in 1998 and Legend of the Returning Hero in 1994.

Chinese celebrities and directors Tian Zhuangzhuang, Huo Jianqi and CCTV renowned host Bai Yansong attended the funeral.

Born in 1953, Sai Fu was China's first-degree director and also vice-chairman of Chinese Film Association, winning many awards both in home and abroad on hand.

(CRI September 5, 2005)