Chinese films still fall far behind Avatar, renowned director Zhang Yimou said.

"Innovation is much needed to develop Chinese film industry," Zhang said during the annual national parliament session which concluded yesterday in Beijing. "We should cultivate versatile talents with knowledge of arts and modern information technology."

Zhang proposed a post-graduate course on high-tech filming for directors at the Beijing Film Academy that will introduce them to computer, science and engineering. James Cameron, director of Avatar, has a background in science and engineering.

He also wants to build a 3-D film technology laboratory so that China can make high-quality 3-D films.

"Chinese films should learn to use more creative and high-tech means to enrich the stories, like Avatar," Zhang said. "I hope young generation of directors will not follow the old ways of making feature films."