A widower's entertainment

Twenty-one-year-old female director Lin Zhaomei won the Palme d'Or for Best Film at the Cannes International Film Festival with her debut film, "Our Millionaire".

Without a doubt, this is the biggest news of the entire film festival!

This news will also reach China, and it will cause a stir there. However, the Cannes Film Festival is the first to be excited about it.

The award results immediately ignited a public debate.

Because it concerns the selection of the film festival's top prize, the jury will hold a press conference afterward. At the jury press conference after the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival, jury president Martin Scorsese, in an interview with the media, took the initiative to talk about the reasons for "Our Millionaire" winning the award, and his words were full of approval.

"The jury had a very pleasant collaboration, but there were disagreements on most of the awards during the selection process. Although everyone had their own preferences and opinions, they were able to reach a consensus and select their favorite film. They unanimously and without controversy voted for 'Our Millionaire'."

Martin Scorsese said very seriously, "We had a heated discussion about many of the shortlisted films. Many of the works have their own highlights, but more often we are attracted by the director's style. Lin Zhaomei's work has achieved a perfect fusion of style and core.

"The film uses flashbacks and flashforwards to depict the journey from becoming a millionaire to being interrogated, from waiter to millionaire. Behind each question lies a story, and through each question, we see the protagonist's life path. This is director Lin Zhaomei's hymn to life. The success of this film is inseparable from director Lin Zhaomei. The story is vividly presented to the audience through restrained shots. I believe everyone understands why it is so moving. It not only captures the true darkness and cruelty, but also never abandons its kindness and beauty in such cruelty. It is full of romanticism and has an epic feel."

Another young jury member, Chiara Mastroianni, said: “I was honored to be a jury member for the main competition at the 51st Cannes Film Festival. It was my first time in such an important role, and I was both excited and nervous. Although the discussions were intense, the atmosphere on our jury was exceptionally harmonious, and we unanimously decided to award the Palme d'Or to *Our Millionaire*. I did my best to win the award for this film because I know its excellence, and I was also struck by the scarcity of female filmmakers in the main competition. However, the other members of the jury joked that I was biased because I came from a feminist perspective, but I also spoke up for Theo Angelopoulos’ *Eternity and a Day*.”

Jury member Chen Aige undoubtedly supports Lin Zhaomei's "Our Millionaire," which goes without saying.

Most importantly, this is a Chinese-language film, but it is easy for foreign audiences to understand. This is an important reason why "Our Millionaire" was able to win the Palme d'Or. If people do not understand the content of Chinese-language films and are confused while watching them, it will be difficult for the judges to vote for this film.

In the end, jury president Martin Scorsese stated directly: "The Palme d'Or is the final consensus after multiple rounds of voting. Each judge has their own subjective judgment, and the significance of the discussion lies in finding the best solution amidst the disagreements. This is also the charm of film festival selection. We simply did our job to recognize the best parts of the film with an award. 'Our Millionaire' is a film of great depth and artistry."

In addition, Martin Scorsese specifically praised screenwriter Lin Youcheng, saying directly, "I didn't want to ignore the screenwriter because of the film's excellence, so I didn't give him the Best Screenplay award. I think the film deserves the Palme d'Or more."

"I really like Mr. Lin Youcheng's scripts; his film scripts are excellent as always."

The jury chairman's words definitively confirmed that "Our Millionaire" won the award not by chance, but because it stood out due to its excellent quality and artistic value.

The Palme d'Or, which was awarded unanimously, is the greatest recognition from the international film industry for this young female director.

As for the Best Screenplay award, it naturally seems dispensable in the face of the Palme d'Or.

Well, overseas media outlets such as The Screen and The Hollywood Reporter naturally reported on this news, spontaneously following up with reports and vying to interpret this "phenomenal" film industry miracle. The speed and popularity of the related topics far exceeded expectations.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to publish an article: "The 51st Cannes Film Festival has come to a successful close. Chinese-language director Lin Zhaomei has taken the crown with 'Our Millionaire,' winning the Palme d'Or for Best Film. At the age of 21, she has set a new record in film history. This recognition from Cannes has shown the world the amazing strength of young Chinese filmmakers."

The magazine "Screen" focuses on this historical breakthrough: "At the closing ceremony of the 51st Cannes International Film Festival, the Chinese-language film 'Our Millionaire' won the highest honor, the Palme d'Or. As the biggest dark horse of this year's film festival, the film not only won praise from the audience, but also broke the record for the youngest female director to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes, making Lin Zhaomei the youngest female director to win the Palme d'Or in the history of the film festival, rewriting the age record in the global film industry."

This is no exaggeration. At the age of 21, her debut film stood at the top of the three major film festivals. At 21, Lin Zhaomei broke all prejudices and doubts with her achievements.

Of course, just as the jury chairman and the other judges discussed, the movie "Our Millionaire" is indeed worth watching!

At the same time, many reporters and media outlets also went to interview Lin Zhaomei and the crew of "Our Millionaire".

Although Lin Zhaomei has already given her acceptance speech, everyone naturally wants to know her feelings now.

"Thank you to the jury. I feel very lucky to be able to make this movie, 'Our Millionaire.' Most importantly, I want to thank my father for his support. It is because of him that I had the opportunity to embark on the path of filmmaking. He also wrote the script for 'Our Millionaire,' so of course I can't let him down. I must make this story a success."

"We spent a long time preparing beforehand, constantly working on storyboards and not rushing to start filming. We kept revising the script, always thinking about how to shoot and what the shots should be like. All of this made me very excited. I am very happy that this film has been made and is loved by the audience. I am also very happy to have won the Palme d'Or, because it means that I have not let down the story my father wrote."

“Actually, I’ve always been interested in stories about fate. My previous short film, ‘Fate,’ was about fate in a very direct way. Two possible paths lead to different fates. I think human fate is very mysterious. A single point can lead to a different path. For example, if my father hadn’t written the manuscript, I probably wouldn’t have embarked on the path of filmmaking. My fate would have been changed in some mysterious way.”

"Of course, my film may change some people's fate after it is released. I hope that such changes will be better, so that they know that no matter what, we must always have a kind heart, like Xu Qingshan. After all, reality is cruel, but we must still try to be kind people. This is just one of my thoughts."

"Of course, I also want to thank all the actors in the film. They are all outstanding actors, and I am very satisfied with their understanding and interpretation of the characters..."

……

Lin Youcheng watched Lin Zhaomei being interviewed from a short distance away, feeling proud and honored. Hou Xiaoxian, on the other side, also said with a smile, "Congratulations! Your daughter is amazing."

Hou Xiaoxian is also very clear about what it means for Lin Zhaomei to win the award at the age record. She is really amazing. Of course, he also likes the movie "Our Millionaire" very much and believes that the movie deserves to win the Palme d'Or.

Upon hearing Hou Xiaoxian's words, Lin Youcheng couldn't help but laugh, a very happy laugh. He nodded and said, "Yes, that's remarkable."

“When you won the Palme d'Or, she knew nothing, but she innocently said that she wanted to win the Palme d'Or when she grew up.”

Upon hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Hou Xiaoxian was taken aback. He hadn't expected Lin Zhaomei to have said something like that when he was a child. After all, it had been a long time since he won the Palme d'Or. Although Lin Youcheng wasn't the screenwriter for "The Devotion of Suspect X," he did write the entire story.

Lin Youcheng's new book, "Our Millionaire," has once again won the Palme d'Or for his daughter, which is truly remarkable.

"That's truly remarkable!" Hou Xiaoxian exclaimed as he looked at Lin Zhaomei. "She made history, and she's a female director. But with such a great honor, you must also tell her that she must stay true to her original aspirations."

Hearing Hou Xiaoxian's words, Lin Youcheng nodded. Indeed, this was the time when his daughter, Lin Zhaomei, was riding high and attracting everyone's attention. She could be said to have achieved international fame at a young age. He didn't know what would happen to Lin Zhaomei in the future, or whether she would still remember her childhood dream of becoming the world's greatest director.

However, as her father, he would still remind her of a few things.

Of course, Lin Youcheng also felt that Lin Zhaomei might not need her reminders; she was able to walk steadily and well on her own.

After all, Lin Zhaomei has always been very mature.

"I believe she will continue to make good movies."

Lin Youcheng always remembered that Lin Zhaomei had been acting in film crews since she was very young. However, she didn't like acting later, so she stopped making films. Instead, she became interested in making movies and spent time learning on her own. Whether it was photography, videography, reading books to learn theoretical knowledge, or learning from other directors on set, she had always been very hardworking and serious.

It's often said that Lin Zhaomei was too young to win the Palme d'Or with her first film, but little do people know that Lin Zhaomei has already come a long way.

Zhang Yimou also won an international award with his very first film; it's just that they are of different ages.

Not to mention, Lin Zhaomei had previously shot a short film and won the Best Short Film Award at the Berlin Film Festival. She has always taken things one step at a time. Just because she skipped a grade and was admitted to the Directing Department of Yenching Film Academy, we can't make her wait another year.

Lin Youcheng said with a smile, "Her original intention has never changed."

Hou Xiaoxian smiled when he heard Lin Youcheng's words. He had just said it casually to Lin Youcheng. He believed that Lin Zhaomei really loved movies, otherwise she would not have spent time filming and learning, let alone made a movie like "Our Millionaire".

"Now I'm actually looking forward to her next movie."

Upon hearing Hou Xiaoxian's words, Lin Youcheng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Let her enjoy this moment of glory first."

Hou Xiaoxian nodded. Indeed, Lin Zhaomei should enjoy this moment of glory first, because she deserves it, and her movie "Our Millionaire" deserves it.

Whether it's criticism or congratulations, it doesn't change the fact that director Lin Zhaomei has won the Palme d'Or, becoming the youngest recipient at the film festival.

When this news reached China, it shocked the nation.

That's right, it's shocking!
There's nothing else to it, Lin Zhaomei is too young, she's only twenty-one years old this year.

Twenty-one years old!

At such a young age, his first film was nominated for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival, and now he has won the Palme d'Or!
This is absolutely amazing!
Newspapers and news outlets have also been reporting on this matter extensively.

The Chinese-language film "Our Millionaire" won the Palme d'Or.

"Genius female director Lim Siu-mei becomes the youngest winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or."

Making history! Lim Siu-mei's film "Our Millionaire" wins the Palme d'Or.

……

News reports like these kept appearing one after another, and it can be said that the Chinese-language film and television industry across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong was shocked by this news!

The Yenching Film Academy has gone mad.

Of course, it was already quite remarkable when Lin Zhaomei's film was nominated. Although some people wondered if Lin Zhaomei would win the Palme d'Or, since it had already been nominated for the main competition, no one dared to say that directly because it was too difficult.

But now that the results have been announced, Lin Zhaomei has won the prestigious Palme d'Or, which has truly caused a sensation throughout the entire Beijing Film Academy.

Of course, it wasn't just the film academy that was abuzz with excitement; the entire domestic film industry, and even the global film industry, were all taking notice of Lin Zhaomei.

There's no other reason, it's just too awesome!

When the news reached Yenching Film Academy, every teaching building was in an uproar.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh-!"

"Lin Zhaomei won the Palme d'Or!"

Since school hasn't let out for summer break yet, everyone is naturally going crazy over this news.

Yes, it's absolutely insane. (End of Chapter)