Chinese director Jia Zhangke's 2006 Golden Lion award winner Still Life has won another prize, this time at the 28th Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.

Jia Zhangke was named the best director at the 12-day festival, which ended on July 1. It's the first time for him to win an award in Africa.

"Jia Zhangke brought us to an unknown land, immersed us in this poetic world with all possible filming factors. A masterpiece of an outstanding director," the organizing committee said.

The film, about the giant Three Gorges Dam project and its impact on ordinary people, will roll out in South African theaters during Christmas.

Jia Zhangke, torchbearer of the so-called "Sixth Generation" of Chinese directors, has garnered international praise for his films such as Platform, Unknown Pleasures and The World.

(CRI.cn July 6, 2007)