Chinese director Feng Xiaogang was named a Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters by Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, French ambassador to China on April 18. [Photo by Yu Yao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, "godfather" to the 10th Croisements Festival and the 12th Panorama, was named a Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters by Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, French ambassador to China.

The ceremony was held as part of the French evening of the 12th Panorama organized by the French Embassy and uniFrance Films at Chinese Zen House in Beijing on April 18.

The order was created in 1957 to honor those who have distinguished themselves through their work in the artistic or literary domain or by their contribution to the dissemination of art and literature in France and the world.

Feng said the order is a great honor and encourages him to promote cooperation between the Chinese and French film industries. He thinks France is a romantic country and expects to film the third sequel to If You Are the One there.

Many other Chinese luminaries have also been recognized by France for their contribution to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields. Read on to find out more.