Biography
Zhao was born in Liaoning Province, and graduated from Luxun Academy of Fine Arts in 1992. He supported himself as a photographer while working on his early documentaries. Zhao's 2009 documentary Petition: The Court of the Complainants premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is about aspects of the legal system in China. The film was shot over twelve years and details the plight of Chinese citizens traveling to Beijing to file complaints with the central government about local officials. His work focuses on global issues and contemporary art.
Directed 14
2020s
- 2026
Magic Atlas
Assistant Director
- 2025
The Broken Circle
Director
- 2021
I'm So Sorry
Director
2010s
- 2018
Lonely Voices
Director
- 2015
Behemoth
Director
- 2010
Together
Director
2000s
- 2009
Petition
Director
- 2007
Crime and Punishment
Director
- 2005
Return to the Border
Director
- 2004
City Scene
Director
- 2001
Paper Airplanes
Director
- 2000
Bored Youth
Director
Jerks, Don't Say 'Fuck'
Director
1990s
- 1995
Farewell, Yuanmingyuan
Director
Acted in 8
2020s
- 2026
Magic Atlas
Chicken Officer
- 2024
- 2021
I'm So Sorry
Voice-over
1990s
- 1991
不要问我从哪里来
Movie
- 1990
斗鸡
Movie
1980s
- 1988
Chess King
Tiehan
1970s
- 1975
Haixia
Movie
Other crew 6
2020s
- 2026
Magic Atlas
Cinematography
- 2025
The Broken Circle
Cinematography
2010s
- 2015
Behemoth
Cinematography
2000s
- 2005
Return to the Border
Cinematography
- 2004
City Scene
Cinematography
1990s
- 1995
Farewell, Yuanmingyuan
Cinematography
Wrote 4
2020s
- 2021
I'm So Sorry
Writer
2000s
- 2005
Return to the Border
Screenplay
- 2004
City Scene
Screenplay
1990s
- 1995
Farewell, Yuanmingyuan
Screenplay
Edited 3
2000s
- 2005
Return to the Border
Editor
- 2004
City Scene
Editor
1990s
- 1995
Farewell, Yuanmingyuan
Editor
Produced 2
2000s
- 2005
Return to the Border
Producer
- 2004
City Scene
Producer
Camera 1
2020s
- 2021
I'm So Sorry
Camera Operator
Sound 1
1990s
- 1995
Farewell, Yuanmingyuan
Sound