The front page of Nanjing-based newspaper Oriental Guardian carries a mocking poster searching for famed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who reportedly fathers seven children with four women. Photo: Courtesy of Oriental Guardian

Nanjing-based newspaper, Oriental Guardian, printed a full page notice "searching" for famed movie director Zhang Yimou on its front page Tuesday, adding fuel to media claims that Zhang has seven children. If this is the case, it would be a serious violation of China's family planning policy under which, even allowing for divorce or affairs, individuals are usually fined for having more than two children.

Media reports that Zhang has fathered seven children with four different women were widely spread in May, which triggered an investigation by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province.

Chen Ting, reportedly Zhang's current wife, is from Wuxi and allegedly has had three children with Zhang.

Zhang first became famous in the 1980s with Red Sorghum, and achieved international success with Raise the Red Lantern in 1991. Recently, he directed China's 2008 Olympic Games ceremony.

Authorities in Wuxi responded on November 19 that they have not reached the couple yet and have tried various means, including sending a work team to Beijing to contact Zhang, the Beijing News reported.

The work team failed to find the elusive Zhang.

But the public has questioned whether the local authorities, apparently unable to contact one of China's most famous men, are skimping on the job because of Zhang's international reputation.

Some net users suggested the authorities seek help from the media, as Zhang has got some exposure recently for the new film he is shooting.

Zhang has not formally responded to the claims yet.

A Weibo user named Chen Jian, who claimed to be Chen Ting's brother, defended Zhang on his Sina Weibo account Monday, but Zhang's studio claimed later that he was a fake.

Chen Jian then wrote again saying whether he is Zhang's brother-in-law depends on whether Zhang and Chen Ting have a marriage certificate.

Some Net users also supported Zhang's "fertility rights," expressing opposition to the family planning policy.