In the initial stage of Chinese cinema, there appeared the first generation of Chinese cinema directors. It was these directors who tried hard to practice and explore and helped tide over the early difficult phase in the birth and start of Chinese cinema. The first generation Chinese cinema directors were active in the 1920s. During the period, about 100 directors came to the fore, including Zheng Zhengqiu (1888-1935).

Zheng Zhengqiu was the director of the first generation who made the most outstanding achievements. He directed China's first short feature film, Husband and Wife in Misfortune; first full-length feature film, the Ghost of the Wronged Man, first sound feature film, the Sing-Song Girl; first sword-fight film, Burning the Honglian Temple and the most influential feature film of the period, An Orphan Saves his Grandfather. Zheng had a keen judgment in the pursuit of the cinema art. He put forward that a film should not only cater to the audience but also direct the audience's taste of appreciation. The films directed by Zheng were tightly knit and offered a strong story quality and intense dramatic conflict.

Especially in directing Twin Sisters in his late years, he paid much attention to making the film for both refined and popular tastes, to a simple but exquisite style of performance, and to a natural and smooth technique of directing. The film was a hit and was shown continuously for 60 days at the Xinguang Theatre in Shanghai.