Spielberg and Yimou join Olympics

Steven Spielberg's Munich dealt with the 1972 Olympic Games

Film-makers Steven Spielberg and Zhang Yimou are to join the team designing the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Zhang will lead the team, largely comprised of other Chinese impresarios, while Spielberg will be a consultant.

Zhang's best-known films include Raise The Red Lantern and costume epic Hero.

Zhang, 54, said: "I'm very honoured. I make a solemn promise to the Chinese people I will complete the task beautifully and successfully."

Costume epic Hero is one of Zhang's best-known films

Spielberg, whose last film, Munich, concentrated on the killing of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics, said: "Our one goal is to give the world a taste of peace, friendship and understanding.

"Through the visual arts, the art of celebration of life, we are dedicated to making this the most emotional opening ceremony ever."

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Chinese capital on 8 August 2008.