Zhang plays AIDS patient

BEIJING (AP) — Zhang Ziyi (photo) says she signed on to play an AIDS patient in her new movie because she’s a big fan of the director, a frequent collaborator with well-known Chinese directors Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou.

“We actually met many years ago, but always missed the chance to work together,” Zhang said recently at a press conference for Gu Changwei’s A Tale of Magic.

It was Zhang’s first public appearance since a torrent of bad press over her botched donations to victims of the massive earthquake in China’s Sichuan province in 2008. Rumors surfaced on-line in January, accusing Zhang of only giving a portion of the $146,000 she had promised for relief work.

Zhang recently acknowledged that only a portion of the donated amount was transferred initially. In an interview with the state-run China Daily newspaper, Zhang attributed the problem to her lack of philanthropy experience and said she made up for the difference in March.

Asked to reflect on her extended absence, Zhang skirted the issue, saying, “I will continue to strive for success and make good movies.”

Her new film is a love story about a couple with AIDS. Zhang co-stars with Hong Kong actor-singer Aaron Kwok. Shooting on the film continues.

Best known as a cinematographer, Gu gained international fame with his directorial debut, winning the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005 for his epic Peacock.