Gu Changwei, Stanley Kwan and seven other Chinese filmmakers have completed a series of short films to boost national morale after the May 12 earthquake.

The directors brought out their work for a group premiere in Shanghai on Wednesday, Eastday.com reported.

Because the project was initiated by Shanghai Media Group as a nonprofit, the films will air next month on member television stations.

The directors, who represent three generations of Chinese filmmakers, focused on different aspects of life either during or after the deadly earthquake.

Gu Changwei based his film on a true story of a buried mother who left a message on her mobile phone before her death, praying for her baby's survival. Gu said he wanted the film to highlight love and hope.

Stanley Kwan's film lauded medical workers' contributions to quake relief, while Chen Kaige focused his camera on basketball star Yao Ming, using the earthquake as a backdrop.

The star-studded casts included Aaron Kwok, Bowie Lam, Jiang Qinqin, Sun Li and child actress Xu Jiao.

All of the directors and actors worked for free, Eastday.com reported.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 31, 2008)