A press conference is held on August 4, 2008 to promote the upcoming film "Confucius." [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

How did Confucius become one of the greatest philosophers of all time? Chinese director Hu Mei offers her answer in an upcoming biopic of the ancient legend.

Hu Mei will begin shooting the film "Confucius" in November, the director announced at a press conference on Monday.

She said a leading actor would play Confucius, while keeping his name under wraps.

Khan Chan, one of the screenwriters for John Woo's "Red Cliff," has written the script for "Confucius."

The film is estimated to have a budget of 150 million yuan (US$21.9 million).