1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

"Director Luo, please tell me!"

Upon hearing this, the old factory director and Cheng Xuemin nodded repeatedly, and then sat down to listen attentively.
Director Luo put down his teacup, rubbed his hands together, leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, but spoke very quickly:
"Here's the thing, our China Film Group Corporation's film screening this quarter was originally scheduled for this Wednesday. The film list was basically finalized, mainly consisting of several tribute films and new films reflecting the themes of workers, peasants, and soldiers!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across Cheng Xuemin's face before turning to the old factory director, and continued:

"But this afternoon, as soon as the news spread that your factory's 'Redemption' won the Palme d'Or, several leaders from the ministry and the company called me!"

"Regarding the film 'Redemption,' are you planning to release it in China? When? There's a huge public demand! Everyone wants to see what kind of film can conquer Cannes."

The old factory director and Cheng Xuemin both felt a chill run down their spines; it really was about the screening of "Redemption"!

Moreover, judging from what Director Luo said, it seems that the pressure from higher-ups and the public is creating some kind of pressure!
Director Luo observed their expressions and continued, "Now that I think about it, you're right!"

"The Palme d'Or for 'Redemption' is unprecedented for Chinese cinema. What an honor and what a joyous occasion!"

"If we don't strike while the iron is hot and let the whole country see this, it would be a real shame!"

"Isn't this perfect? ​​The screening is about to start, and I was thinking, could we include 'Redemption' in the screening so that everyone can see it and give their opinions?"
If everyone at the meeting agrees and the feedback is positive, then we'll make arrangements as soon as possible, aiming to release it on screens nationwide by August, or at the latest, early September!

Let the whole nation share in this joy and witness the talent of Chinese filmmakers!

He spoke with great passion and a smile on his face, as if he could already see the nationwide box office success of "Redemption" and the massive audience.

But the old factory director and Cheng Xuemin had different thoughts when they heard this.

The old factory director frowned slightly. Director Luo's words sounded like good news, indicating support for the release of "Redemption"!
But upon closer examination, the ball is kicked back to a more public and complex venue: a screening at China Film Group!

What kind of occasion is a movie screening?
That is a crucial step in determining whether a film can be released, on what scale it can be released, and how it should be promoted and positioned.

People from all walks of life gather there, opinions are diverse, and the eyes of scrutiny will also be focused there.

Taking "Redemption" to a screening means placing the film on a semi-public, officially-led review platform, subjecting it to scrutiny and evaluation from various aspects within the system.

There will be voices of approval, but doubts, concerns, and even opposition will inevitably be amplified and raised in a more formal and unavoidable manner!
This is a higher-level, more influential, and more dangerous issue than the internal disputes within Yan Film Studio!
If the screening causes too much controversy or even leads to negative conclusions, then "Redemption" may very well be doomed, and even the hope of being released as an internal reference film may be slim.

However, if they didn't go, it would seem as if Yan Film Studio and Cheng Xuemin lacked confidence in the film, or had something to hide, thus failing to live up to the public's expectations and the leaders' concern.

Director Luo's move seemed to be a timely help, resolving the internal disputes at Yan Film Studio and handing over the decision-making power!
In reality, he made the difficult problem public and procedural, while also sharing the responsibility with himself and China Film Group!

The film is good, and it passed the test thanks to Director Luo and China Film Group for responding to public opinion and giving it strong support!

If a film has problems or becomes controversial, it's a collective decision made by the screening committee, based on the opinions of experts and relevant parties.

The old factory director glanced at Cheng Xuemin and noticed that Cheng Xuemin's expression was calm and his eyes were deep, as if he was also thinking quickly.

This kid is quite composed!

"We appreciate Director Luo's kindness!" the old factory director said cautiously, "It would be wonderful if 'Redemption' could be shown in theaters and seen by more audiences!"

“But…” he paused, as if searching for the right words, “This film, in terms of subject matter and expression, may be somewhat different from the films we usually show.”

"Cannes recognizes its artistry, but the acceptance level among domestic audiences, and the spirit of the higher authorities... we're also discussing in our factory whether to start with a small-scale release..."

Director Luo waved his hand, interrupting the old factory director. His smile remained unchanged, but his tone carried an undeniable air of authority: "Old factory director, I understand your concerns!"

"Isn't it just that we're afraid of controversy? We're not afraid of controversy! Our socialist literature and art should be diverse and open to all kinds of ideas! Controversy means that the film has ideas and depth!"

We'll bring it to the screening so everyone can watch it openly and discuss it openly. Whether it's good or bad, up or down, we'll let the facts and the quality of the film itself speak for themselves!

This is far better and far more aboveboard than us speculating privately here, worrying about this and that!

He looked at Cheng Xuemin with intense eyes: "Comrade Xuemin, do you have confidence in your film?"

This question put Cheng Xuemin in a difficult position!
To say I lack confidence would be self-contradictory; to say I have confidence would be tantamount to agreeing to submit the film to the public judging panel of a screening event.

Cheng Xuemin met Director Luo's gaze without flinching or giving an immediate answer!
He picked up his teacup, gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, and took a small sip.

The warm tea brought a sense of comfort as it went down his throat, and also calmed his rapidly racing mind a little.

Director Luo's proposal, though seemingly sudden, was in fact inevitable!

With "Redemption" winning the Palme d'Or, such big news couldn't possibly go unnoticed by China Film Group, the distribution authority, nor could it be without its own thoughts.

He just didn't expect the other party to react so quickly and to propose a screening event directly.

Behind this, there may be an eagerness to achieve political success, a need to balance pressure from all sides, or perhaps a deeper intention to test the waters.

But in any case, this is indeed an opportunity!
An opportunity to move the fate of "Redemption" from the uncertain debate within Yan Film Studio to a more decisive platform!
Risk and opportunity coexist!
The risk is that there are too many variables at the screening, and once an unfavorable conclusion is reached, there may be no room for maneuver.

The opportunity lies in the fact that if the film can win over most of the audience at the screening and gain official approval, then the biggest obstacle to its public release will be cleared, and it may even receive extraordinary publicity and support!
The key question is whether the film itself can withstand scrutiny from different angles and perspectives in that context.
And, will he and the old factory director be able to make adequate preparations and responses in the coming period?
In just a few seconds, countless thoughts flashed through Cheng Xuemin's mind.

He put down his teacup, looked up, and a calm yet resolute smile appeared on his face!

“Director Luo!” Cheng Xuemin’s voice was clear and steady, with an unquestionable certainty. “I have absolute confidence in the film ‘Redemption’.”

"It was made with the hard work of myself and the entire crew. We believe in its artistic value and that its power can move audiences. Our wish is for it to be shown in theaters so that more viewers can see it. As for the screenings..."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the old factory director's slightly worried face before returning to Director Luo's. "I think Director Luo's suggestion is excellent!"

"Let's put it to the test. Let more comrades see it in a formal setting, discuss it, and everyone will have their own opinion on whether it's good or bad."

"This is more open and fairer than us figuring it out behind closed doors."

"I agree to submit 'Redemption' to the China Film Group's screening committee for review. However, isn't this Wednesday a bit too rushed? We might need to internally cut some parts of the film copies, technical preparations, and related materials first..."

Seeing Cheng Xuemin's straightforwardness and even his willingness to consider technical details, Director Luo's smile widened, and he waved his hand repeatedly: "No rush, no rush! You don't need to worry about the copy and technical issues. Leave it to the technical department of China Film Group. I will personally oversee it and guarantee that it will be prepared as quickly and with the best quality as possible!"
Regarding materials, please provide a list as soon as possible. For this Wednesday's screening, I've arranged for "Redemption" to be the focus film, and it will be the first film we watch!
As for internal cuts... Comrade Xuemin, we can actually wait until the screening meeting to give our opinions, and then decide whether to make minor adjustments or cuts accordingly!
"You might need to be there in person to give a brief introduction and explanation. Is that alright?"

"This Wednesday? That's..." Cheng Xuemin hesitated for a moment when he realized he would have to attend the screening in person!

"It's the day after tomorrow, today is Monday!" Director Luo said repeatedly, as if afraid that Cheng Xuemin wouldn't have time to attend!
"If it's the day after tomorrow, and I'm still in Yanjing, I'll definitely participate!" Cheng Xuemin did some mental calculations. Going to Hong Kong probably wouldn't be that quick, but he could find some time to go and take a look!
"Good! That's great!" Director Luo slapped his thigh, stood up, and the worry on his face vanished, replaced by his usual shrewd and capable demeanor. "Then it's settled! Old factory director, what do you think..."

Seeing that Cheng Xuemin had already agreed, the old factory director knew that things had come to this point and there was no point in saying anything more.

Moreover, Cheng Xuemin's resolute and confident attitude gave him more confidence!

Perhaps, this really is a chance to break the deadlock!
He stood up and extended his hand: "Since Comrade Xuemin is confident, our Yan Film Studio will naturally give it our full support. Director Luo, please take care of the screening."

"Of course, of course! It's all for the sake of the work!" Director Luo shook the old factory director's hand firmly, then turned to Cheng Xuemin, patted him on the shoulder, and said:
"Comrade Xuemin, I'll be waiting at the screening to properly appreciate our Palme d'Or masterpiece! Let those old fogies open their eyes too!"

After seeing off Director Luo, who walked briskly as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his heart, the office fell silent once more.

The night outside the window grew darker, and the lights in the distance became much sparser.

The old factory director sat back in his chair, rubbed his temples, and let out a long breath.

He looked at Cheng Xuemin with a complicated expression: "Xuemin, are you... really confident?"

"The film screening venue is no joke. It's a mixed bag, and all sorts of people say all sorts of things. Besides, Director Luo's enthusiasm probably isn't just about supporting art."

Cheng Xuemin walked to the window and looked out at the already dark outside. In the distance, the towering water tower of the factory area was only a blurry outline in the night.

"Old factory director, are you confident? The film is right there. What needs to be faced, must be faced!"

"Director Luo has his considerations, and we have our own principles. The film screening is both a challenge and a stage."

At least, we've earned the opportunity to speak for "Redemption" in a more formal setting.

This is much better than letting it lie silently in a film library or only be shown on a small scale!

The old factory director listened, but his brows did not completely relax.
He felt that Cheng Xuemin had agreed too readily, as if he hadn't considered the potential risks as much as he had.

Just as he was about to say something more, Cheng Xuemin turned around, his face showing no fear, only a calm, almost scrutinizing certainty.

"Moreover!" Cheng Xuemin paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the wall to look at something further away, "Director Luo just said that he came straight to our Yanying Film Studio after coming out of the lake!"

The old factory director was taken aback, and subconsciously repeated, "In the lake?"

"Hmm!" Cheng Xuemin walked back to the sofa and sat down, tapping his fingers lightly on his knees, a habitual gesture when thinking.

"He came so suddenly and so coincidentally, right when our factory's celebration party had just ended and there was still internal debate about the film's screening."

Upon entering, their words, seemingly seeking our opinion and seeking discussion, carried an air of unquestionable urgency, a sense of needing to arrange things as quickly as possible. Don't you think that was a bit too proactive?

The old factory director's brows furrowed completely, and his back unconsciously lifted slightly off the chair.

He carefully considered what Director Luo had said and what his expression had been like!
Yes!

Luo Yonghao is the director of China Film Group Corporation, in charge of the entire domestic film distribution and screening. He is known for his decisive and efficient work style!
But in the past, he has been more cautious when it comes to potentially controversial films!
Some people are even more tactful; they would first sound out the situation and listen to opinions from all sides, unlike today, where they come with an almost mission-driven attitude and directly propose the film screening.

And the timing is so tight, even minor adjustments and deletions are implied to be made after the screening feedback!

This almost implies that the film should be released in its original form.

“In the lake…” The old factory director murmured the word, his expression becoming somewhat solemn.

Director Luo's point was made specifically, and it was probably not unintentional!

That means he probably didn't come on his own accord, or just because a department leader called to inquire, but rather with more specific instructions!

Or at least it's some kind of rumor or expectation coming from a higher level!
"You mean...this is what the higher-ups mean?"

The old factory director lowered his voice, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cold porcelain of the teacup.

……

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