Zhou Jianyun周剑云 (1883-1967). Native of Hefei, Anhui. Was head of the Shanghai Aili Library and editor in its publishing division. One of the five co-founders and directors of the Mingxing (Star) Film Company in 1922. In addition to serving as one of the new studio's directors, he took on several concurrent executive posts, including manager, director of official correspondence, publishing director and head of its business department.
Highlights of Zhou Jianyun's film career:
1928: initiated and accomplished an alliance of Mingxing with five other Shanghai film companies to establish a China-wide movie distribution network.
1932: facilitated a linkup between left-wing artists with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to develop the Party's work in film circles.
1935: member, Chinese delegation to the Moscow International Film Festival.
1936: supported the policy of "serving the times," his second cooperation with the CCP.
1937: After the destruction of the Mingxing studios by the invading Japanese forces, held a post with the Jinxing (Gold Star) Film Co.
After WWII, organized the Da Zhonghua (Great China) Film Co. of Hong Kong. Retired from motion pictures after 1949. Died in 1967.
