Full-time actor

I heard cheers.

Maria Grazia Cucinotta, as the host of the opening ceremony of the Venice Film Festival, was already standing on the red carpet.

A main red carpet about 80 meters long stretches at the entrance of the Film Palace.

On both sides are media reporters from all over the world.

Chen Yu looked up. Cucinotta was an internationally famous Italian actress.

He was widely recognized for his role in The Postman.

She looked elegant and approachable in a white dress, and stood in front of the media with ease.

"ladies and gentlemen!"

"I am very honored to introduce to you the president of this year's Venice Film Festival jury."

“A film master who transcends national boundaries with his poetic images and defines the era of Chinese cinema.”

"Mr. Zhang Yimou."

Cucinotta's powerful voice echoed throughout the entire Palace of Cinema.

“Today, he will lead a distinguished jury in their search for the next cinematic gem.”

"Please join me in welcoming—"

"Zhang! Yi! Mou!"

Following Cucinotta's introduction, Zhang Yimou, wearing a high-end luxury suit, led the jury to the red carpet with a smile.

His face, which was full of wrinkles like the Terracotta Warriors, was filled with joy.

He waved to the media reporters around him, causing a commotion in the audience.

Putting aside their identities as jury members, the status of several great directors is enough to drive the media reporters present crazy.

Today, it can be said that media from all over the world gathered here.

AP, AFP, The Guardian, Corriere della Sera, Cahiers du Cinéma.

As a benchmark media in the Hollywood industry, Variety has been following the entire process.

As for this time, the Chinese media sent a group of reporters, the number of which increased a lot compared with previous years.

Xinhua News Agency, Six Princesses, China Film News, Sina Entertainment and Sohu Entertainment.

In addition, Time.com and Tencent Entertainment have opened special pages for Venice.

Phoenix Entertainment Channel and Dragon TV sent reporters to follow the situation in real time.

of course.

Fanqie.com, as a video website owned by Chen Yu, is the number one mainstream website in China and is definitely an indispensable presence at the Venice Film Festival.

With real-time live broadcast and interview throughout the process, efficiency is naturally not a problem.

It has to be said that China's status at the Venice Film Festival is increasing day by day.

Domestic journalists are mostly in a favorable position.

This year's Venice is almost half a Chinese film festival.

Not only are there many films nominated, but the lineup is also very grand, with the Chinese media army occupying a large area next to the red carpet.

Of course, there are also many Chinese filmmakers coming this time.

Chen Yu, who conquered the world with his strength, Jiang Wen, who strived to be at the top, as well as Jia Zhangke, Johnnie To, and Lui Lok.

All the movies they made are of excellent quality. Pick any one of them and they are all people who cannot be underestimated.

The most important thing is that one of the jury chairman is Chinese.

Click!Click!
The surrounding media reporters would not miss the opportunity to get close to the great director, and the flash lights seemed to have illuminated the entire cinema.

Zhang Yimou has walked to the front of the media, and will then deliver an opening speech for the opening ceremony of the 64th Venice Film Festival.

“I would like to thank the Venice Film Festival organizing committee for giving me this honor.”

“As the president of the jury, I feel a great sense of responsibility.”

“Venice is the oldest film festival in the world and it has always been a benchmark for artistry. I am lucky to be able to participate in it.”

“Movies are a language that transcends national boundaries. They can reach people’s hearts without the need for translation.”

"In this era, we need to use movies to understand empathy and humanity in different cultures."

“As judges, we strive to find works that are both innovative and soul-touching.”

“Technology always serves the story, and great stories are always about people.”

"The jury members and I will maintain a fair and open attitude."

“There are no standard answers in movies, but we expect to be surprised, moved and even challenged!”

A short but powerful speech that is thought-provoking.

As Zhang Yimou delivered his speech, the atmosphere on the field seemed to have reached a small climax.

Everyone applauded.

The fact that Zhang Yimou has achieved his current position is enough to prove his strength.

"Are you ready?"

Chen Yu's voice brought the people around him back to their senses, and Tang Yan and the others realized that Chen Yu had just told them to be prepared.

"Now that Zhang Zhi has finished his speech, it's our turn to walk the red carpet."

Liu Yifei and the others nodded. To be precise, she and Chen Yu did not need to make any preparations. They were already frequent visitors on the red carpet, so naturally there would be no omissions.

Turning her head to look at Tang Yan on the side, she found that after the counseling just now, she was no longer nervous.

"She really deserves to be the center, surpassing all the Hollywood stars."

"The opening premiere is what every director dreams of. You are really lucky."

Jiang Wen joked on the side.

But he was indeed joking. It was well known that Chen Yu was capable and influential, and he deserved to be the opening star.

He still maintained his previous attitude, that is, if he fails, he will die. Anyway, he has Chen Yu to back him up.

As for the look he gave Chen Yu, there was also admiration in his eyes. The latter chuckled a few times and then became serious.

That's right.

He indeed beat a number of Hollywood stars to win the premiere this time.

Glancing sideways at the waiting area, it can be said that there are many stars there.

Some of the most famous people in Hollywood have appeared here.

Brad Pitt is here with his work "Killing Jake".

You should know that in his previous life, Brad Pitt won the Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival for the second time with "Killing Jake".

As early as 1993, he won the Venice Film Festival Best Actor Award for "Californication".

As for later generations, he won numerous awards.

With no controversy over his appearance and acting skills, he has already become one of Hollywood's top stars.

George Clooney also came with his work.

The crisis lawyer he played in "Total Counterattack" originally wanted to compete for the existence of the opening film, but unfortunately his opponent was Chen Yu.

As for Johnny Depp, the international superstar who was once famous for "Edward Scissorhands", he did not bring any works this time, but his fame still shocked the world.

Susan Sarandon's "Love Feast".

Jude Law's "Footprints" and Cate Blanchett's "I'm Not There."

It was a pity to have a premiere.

Jiang Wen actually admired Chen Yu a little. After all, any one of the Hollywood movie stars he crushed was an international superstar who was famous all over the world.

And now Chen Yu is definitely not on the same level as them, but is even superior to them.

Who made the movie he starred in surpass the global box office barrier - 10 billion in US dollars?

So although the strength of these people is not to be doubted, one has to admit that they are still somewhat inferior in front of Chen Yu.

A huge poster of "Better Days" hangs above the Film Palace, as if indicating that Venice today is the absolute home court of Chen Yu and "Better Days".

As soon as Zhang Yimou finished speaking, the theme song of "Better Days" began to sound.

"ladies and gentlemen!"

"Please let us welcome the Grand Slam winner, the film genius who conquered the world—"

"Mr. Chen Yu and the cast of Better Days."

“Tonight he returns to Venice with his much-anticipated new work, Better Days.”

"Let's wait and see his wonderful performance and his first fantastic work as a director!"

Following Cucinotta's fluent English introduction, Chen Yu and Liu Yifei walked onto the red carpet hand in hand with the starring cast of "Better Days".

The atmosphere suddenly became more lively again.

"Chan!"

"Chen Yu!!!"

"My love!"

Countless fans cheered there, echoing throughout the sky of Venice.

As everyone stepped onto the red carpet, hundreds of cameras were pointed at them, and the shutter sounds even drowned out the sound of the theme song.

Not only that, countless fans also made sharp roars. They have been waiting for this moment for a long time. For them, this is definitely an epic moment.

"Chan! Look over here."

"Chen Yu has brought glory to the country. You are the most amazing actor."

"Yifei!" Liu Yifei's name was also mixed in the screams that came one after another throughout the entire field.

She had previously filmed "Escape Plan" with Jackie Chan in France. Even though she was called a vase, her strength and popularity are still unquestionable.

The entire venue was completely immersed in Chen Yu's cheers. Compared with the presence of the entire jury just now, Chen Yu could be said to have crushed them in all aspects.

Even without thinking, you can tell that Chen Yu’s team is definitely the most powerful one when they take the stage this time.

Ah ah ah ah ah--

The fans and media reporters at the scene all cheered continuously.

You have to know that Chen Yu is now a top-tier celebrity in the world, and the only ones who can be compared with him are probably Leo and a few others.

The sound waves were getting louder and louder, and had already made Tang Yan and Luo Jin, who were following behind, feel dizzy. The aftereffect of the explosion was that their hands and feet felt numb.

"Chen Yu, please give me a straight face."

"We are lucky to have you."

"Would you like to strike a pose? This way I can make the photo of you look even better."

"Smile, Sissi!"

The Chinese journalists are full of vigor and enthusiasm.

In the past, Chinese journalists would never have such a glorious moment.

Putting aside other things, the fact that Chen Yu is so popular even makes them feel proud.

This is their Chinese superstar, an existence that can influence the whole world.

Luo Jin couldn't help but be a little surprised. He knew that Chen Yu was famous, and of course he also knew his strength.

But the only thing he didn't know was that Chen Yu was so popular in Europe.

"I didn't expect Brother Yu to be so influential in Europe. I thought it was only in Asia and Hollywood..."

"These media reporters wanted to stick their cameras in his face."

Luo Jin was talking in a low voice. The red carpet was very large, and with the constant screams and clicking of cameras all around, no one could notice his little movements.

Furthermore--

At this moment, everyone's eyes outside the venue were on Chen Yu, and no one would pay attention to an unknown person like him.

Well, Luo Jin is not very famous now, let alone abroad, even in China.

"Of course."

"Chen Yu has participated in so many of the three major film festivals and won the Grand Slam."

"It must be very famous abroad. This is all to be expected."

Looking up at Chen Yu who was walking in front with ease, Tang Yan couldn't help but sigh.

They are all classmates, but Chen Yu is far behind them. If it weren't for Chen Yu this time, they would have no chance to participate in such a world-class film festival.

"Hey! Chan, can you stop so I can shoot some footage?"

"Chen Yu, look at me and smile."

"Sissi's dress today is so beautiful."

Chen Yu couldn't help but hold his forehead.

He couldn't wait to walk the red carpet as quickly as possible, while other female stars were rushing around on the red carpet.

After all, this is the only chance to be exposed.

As long as you can get the media to take more photos or stay on the red carpet for a longer period of time, it will help increase your popularity and status.

Many carpet stars envy this.

However, having already gotten used to this situation, Chen Yu actually hoped that it could end as soon as possible.

However, he still needs to meet the requirements of media reporters.

There were countless media reporters from China this time, and everyone was very enthusiastic about Chen Yu.

The stars in their own country are very powerful, and their backbones have also become straightened.

It's not just media reporters.

The directors and Chinese actors who came to attend the Venice Film Festival today were all very happy when they looked at Chen Yu again.

Liu Yifei was walking forward with Chen Yu, the pride between her eyebrows was particularly obvious. She naturally knew that all these screams were a proof of Chen Yu's strength.

Media reporters are now starting to think about how to write the next report.

Several people waved as they walked on the red carpet.

It took a full eight minutes to walk along the entire red carpet.

It’s not that Chen Yu wanted to walk the red carpet, but during the whole process, Chen Yu and Liu Yifei were stopped by reporters many times and asked to take pictures.

This situation also benefited Tang Yan and Luo Jin.

Naturally there will also be photo sessions.

Zhang Yimou was also clapping happily and talking to the people around him from time to time. In the past, when he participated in the Venice Film Festival, there would only be such hype when those Hollywood superstars walked on the red carpet.

did not expect--

In just a few years, Chen Yu has reached such a position.

He was naturally pleased to see this situation, as Chinese films were becoming part of the world film scene.

There are finally some young directors who do not repeat his path and bravely explore their own existence.

Zhang Yimou believes that Chen Yu’s strength will become stronger and stronger in the future.

At this time, the domestic media could no longer hold back, and as soon as the red carpet ceremony ended, they published press releases one after another.

"Chen Yu gained the highest popularity on the red carpet at the Venice Opening Ceremony!"

"On the red carpet in Venice, Chen Yu and the crew of "Better Days" rocked the place!"

"Chen Yu has truly become the most watched person in the world!"

As for foreign countries, they are unwilling to lag behind.

"Chen Yu's "Better Days" Commercial Aesthetics and Artistic Exploration!"

"Who will win the Venice Golden Lion today?"

"Chen Yu and his girlfriend Liu Yifei appeared at the Venice Film Festival!"

"..."

The whole world seems to be promoting it, and as a well-deserved front-page headline, Chen Yu's name is the best guarantee.

"Whoo~"

Liu Yifei rubbed her face vigorously. She did not dare to slack off at all while walking on the red carpet.

She was trying hard to control her facial expressions throughout the whole process. After all, with so many media reporters rushing to take pictures, she naturally could not afford to be negligent.

"I feel like my face is going to freeze from laughing."

When Chen Yu noticed Liu Yifei's actions, he subconsciously held her hand back.

As for Tang Yan and Luo Jin, they had already arrived in front of the two of them, and their envious looks had already been revealed.

"amazing."

After hearing Tang Yan's voice, the two people present turned their heads and looked over.

"I really couldn't believe what I saw. All the media reporters on the 80-meter red carpet were shouting your name. I couldn't believe how popular you were..."

"Why do I feel like Brother Yu is more popular overseas than in China?"

Tang Yan couldn't help but sigh.

This is of course normal.

Chinese people tend to be more demanding of their own movie stars, and foreign artists whose resumes they don't know and are afraid of will definitely have some kind of filter.

Just like Jackie Chan is popular all over the world, but is becoming increasingly unpopular in China.

Because the Chinese people know him very well, he lacks many halos; the same is true for Chen Yu. Although he is very popular now, he already has many black fans in China.

Overseas, almost all of the fans are new.

With the popularity of several blockbuster movies, there are more and more of them.

Akira Kurosawa once said a very classic sentence: "I can conquer countless audiences overseas, but the only thing I cannot conquer is my hometown!"

If this is the case for a master like this, what about others!

"No wonder Teacher Chang is so excited every time he mentions you."

"It is an honor for the entire school to have someone like you at the Central Academy of Drama."

Do not--

"It should be the glory of the entire China."

"It's not like..."

Chen Yu couldn't help but laugh, but when he met Luo Jin's serious gaze, he had to wave his hand.

"I believe you will be able to do it in the future."

Luo Jin is usually taciturn, so even if Tang Yan wants to hear a word of praise from him, it would be extremely difficult.

"We should prepare for the next process."

What Chen Yu can’t wait for now is the world premiere of "Better Days".

He had been waiting for this moment for half a year.

Now, it is time to prove his ability as a director. (End of this chapter)