While a jittery public has barely recovered from the shock of the inferno-caused by an errant firework-that destroyed a luxury hotel near China's Central Television's (CCTV) new headquarters at the end of Chinese lunar festival, a firework display is scheduled to light up the sky for the forthcoming National Day (October 1) celebrations.

Directed by Zhang Yimou, the internationally-acclaimed filmmaker and director of the Beijing Olympic ceremonies, the show is guaranteed to be safe, the Beijing News reported on March 5.

Zhang Yimou (right) [Chinanews]

"Please don't ask me if the fireworks will cause a blaze every time you meet me," teased Zhang, a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), when being interviewed by a group of reporters during a break in China's annual parliamentary sessions.

But he emphasized that the fireworks that will be let off on the night of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) founding will be absolutely safe. According to Zhang, he will work again with the team who joined him in creating the stunning Beijing Olympic ceremonies, to put together a gala for everybody to enjoy on National Day.

However, the director declined to give any details of the celebrations. Moreover, he showed commendable modesty in his approach, claiming to be "an amateur" in organizing ceremonies. He hopes to continue shooting films and in particular to bring to the big screen a story marking the 60th anniversary of PRC.

(China.org.cn by Wu Jin, March 5, 2009)