I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 281 The global premiere of "Life Events"!

《The 68th Venice International Film Festival officially opens! 》

《For the first time in history! Five Chinese-language films are shortlisted for the main competition unit of this year's Venice Film Festival! 》

"The cast of "Legend of the White Snake" collectively appeared on the red carpet in Venice, Jet Li and Huang Shengyi swept Europe! "

"Exclusive news! Director Tian Zhuangzhuang's new film "Life Events" is expected to become a hot candidate for awards!"

"The lead actress of "Life Events" Chen Jin and 9-year-old Chinese actor Zhao Jinmai walked on the red carpet and received applause and praise from the media!"

……

In just one night, Hua Xia had published a lot of news about the Venice International Film Festival.

There are many big-name filmmakers participating in the Venice Film Festival this time. Compared with the many "unpopular" works in previous years and the embarrassment of the lack of truly substantial works last year, this year's Venice can be said to be a truly "substantial" year.

Just looking at the participating films, international directors such as Roman Polanski, David Cronenberg, Alexander Sokurov, and William Friedkin all presented their new works.

George Clooney, who turned into a director after being an actor, Tomas Alfredsson, the director of "The Letting Go", and Italian director Emanuelle Coriales may have less experience as a director, but their abilities should not be underestimated.

It can be said that the quality of the entries to this year's Venice Film Festival is definitely the highest in recent years.

Chen Jin also heard the "bad news" from Tian Zhuangzhuang after the party yesterday. The films shortlisted for the main competition unit are basically not unknown.

In recent years, major film festivals have inevitably been strongly impacted by the commercialization of films. Take Cannes, the first of the three major film festivals, for example. It has increasingly become a big movie theater.

The Berlin Film Festival has a preference for political themes.

Venice is no exception, but it is more literary.

In recent years, the number of American films participating in the competition and the number of awards they have won have increased compared to before.

This shows that Venice also wants to improve the overall level of the films nominated for Venice through American films that are both commercial and artistic, including the box office potential that the films can gain after winning the awards, to announce Venice's market value to the world.

But on the other hand, Venice has always publicized its purpose as "film serves serious art" and its judging criteria is "artisticity", so it is known as the base camp of art films.

Venice sometimes has a difficult choice between commerce and art, but this time it still sticks to its principles.

On the red carpet of the opening ceremony yesterday, the chairman of the jury, Darren Aronofsky, said only a few brief words, the main point of which was that everything should give way to art.

It set the tone for this year's Venice Film Festival.

Art!

Venice wants to balance commercial and artistic films.

In addition to the numerous Hollywood and European big-name movie stars appearing on the red carpet, Chinese-language filmmakers also became the most special scenery on the red carpet; the youngest filmmaker participating in this year's event was of course Zhao Jinmai.

Strictly speaking, she is actually only 9 years old and she was not stage-frightened when walking on the red carpet, so she received a lot of praise from the media.

The most speechless one is Huang Shengyi.

It took nearly 10 minutes to walk the several hundred meters long red carpet and I was almost expelled by the Venice organizers.

Chen Jin felt it was quite embarrassing anyway, the key point was that it seemed that many female stars would follow suit in the future; of course, she was not the only one who walked the red carpet like this, many unknown European actresses also walked very slowly.

She also learned from others. Later generations such as Fan Bingbing, Zhang Xinyu and others were also representatives of carpet stars who became famous.

Facts have proved that it is actually somewhat useful, otherwise how could Fan Bingbing become a judge at the three major film festivals?
All I can say is that shameless people are invincible.

Although Chen Jin was very contemptuous, the world of fame and fortune was the same everywhere in the world.

You may not like it, but sometimes an actor has to take risks in order to get more opportunities.

……

"Let's go, it's our turn!"

Tian Zhuangzhuang was there greeting people, and the group had just attended the premiere of "Seediq Bale".

This is the film shortlisted for the main competition unit by Taiwan, and is also placed at No. 1.

It can be seen that the film crew is still very confident.

Chen Jin actually feels that the film is very well made. Director Wei Desheng is currently the top box office director in Taiwan. He learned from the light of Taiwan's film industry, Edward Yang, and is one of the top five directors in the Chinese film industry.

He is also one of the few outstanding directors in Taiwan.

Wei Desheng’s last film, Cape No. 5.3, was released two years ago and broke Taiwan’s box office record, earning NT$ million, which is almost exactly RMB million, causing a sensation in the entire Chinese-speaking world!

Now, "Seediq Bale" is his masterpiece that he has been preparing for 12 years. The investment alone is 8 million yuan. Because the film is too long, it is divided into two parts. Of course, this time he participated in Venice with the full film, which is more than 4 hours long.

Many viewers and film critics left the theater early after watching the movie; foreigners obviously cannot appreciate this kind of movie. They don’t understand Chinese culture, let alone this kind of story about indigenous people.

"In the final analysis, it's because it's a commercial film!"

"Deep down, Old Ou still looks down on this kind of movie!"

Tian Zhuangzhuang said to Chen Jin, the two of them had just discussed the movie.

Compared to the other competition film "The Killing" they watched in the morning, the reactions of the audience and the media were polarized.

Obviously, Wei Desheng himself did not expect that the film he had carefully prepared for so long, which received unanimous praise at the internal screening, would not be well received in Europe.

“But I feel that Seediq Bale is better!”

"Maybe I don't have any prejudices against art films and commercial films..."

Chen Jin was sitting in the cinema. In half an hour, "Life Events" would have its world premiere.

“It’s too commercial!”

The screenwriter Ah Cheng said, "Actually, it would be better if it was more of a war film. It should go to Berlin for the award. Venice is more literary..."

“Berlin may not win the prize, right?”

Chen Jin shook his head: "This kind of anti-Japanese film rarely wins awards. If it's about World War II or the Iraq War, it would be in line with the political correctness of the Berlin Film Festival!"

“Political correctness?”

Tian Zhuangzhuang couldn't help but laugh when he heard these four words: "Maybe, this movie isn't very pleasing anyway!"

"'Killing' is our biggest rival!"

The first film shortlisted for the main competition that premiered in the morning received unanimous praise from the judges and the media.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it will become the favorite to win the award at this Venice International Film Festival!"

Lao Tian's view is consistent with that of the media people. If Chen Jin had not checked the news of this Venice Film Festival for his future autobiographical film, he would actually be quite optimistic about this film.

Director Roman Polanski is a world-renowned master.

Among the three major film festivals, only Venice is short of the triple gold grand slam, and Zhang Yimou is far inferior to them; the other party also has the Oscar for Best Director in hand, has been nominated four times and won once, and has won and been nominated for numerous awards at the three major film festivals. His reputation is very high not only in Europe, but also around the world.

Chen Jin met this old man at a banquet a few days ago.

But Venice did not help him achieve his dream of winning the Golden Slam. According to the original timeline, the Golden Lion Award was a surprise. Everyone thought that "Killing" could win it in one fell swoop, but in the end it didn't win anything, which made the old man very angry.

So Chen Jin didn’t really take this movie seriously.

This kind of master generally doesn't do public relations because of pride.

Just like Zhang Yimou disdains to ask for help from others, their qualifications are there, and they participated in the award to give face to Venice, so it is normal that they did not win the award.

The master has no shortage of a trophy to add icing on the cake, but young filmmakers need this award.

It is precisely because of this that the Big Three’s circles are getting bigger and bigger, with fresh blood always expanding in.

A few people were chatting about a movie, and soon the time was up.

Tian Zhuangzhuang was obviously getting a little nervous.

He lost interest in chatting about the movie and stood up and said to Chen Jin and the others, "Get ready, the audience will be coming in soon!"

"Ok!"

Chen Jin tidied up her appearance and helped Zhao Jinmai next to her to dress up.

Screenwriter Acheng, photographer Hou Yong and others will also have to go on stage later.

Five people stood under the big screen in the cinema, and soon they heard footsteps entering.

Media people from all over the world, audiences in Venice, filmmakers participating in Venice, directors and leading actors of other shortlisted films, etc., all walked into the cinema with movie tickets in hand.

Chen Jin saw many familiar faces.

Reporters from domestic media such as Sina and Tencent, and the leading actors of "Legend of White Snake" and "A Simple Life", such as Jet Li and Andy Lau, also sat in the front rows, as well as regular guests of the three major film festivals such as Jia Zhangke and Lou Ye.

Lou Ye also participated in the awards this year, but unfortunately he was not shortlisted. Then he got the chance to screen his film after the opening ceremony yesterday, thanks to the French investors of his film. This is also the first time that Director Lou made a French film. He wanted to open up the international market, but he didn't expect Venice to pass him directly.

This movie shot by this guy is really not good enough.

Chen Jin still felt unlucky after reading it yesterday.

"Bitch"!
This is Lou Ye’s new film, called "Hua" in China. It tells the story of a Chinese woman named Hua who quits her job as a teacher in the imperial capital and goes to Paris to find her boyfriend.

It tells the story of a Chinese bitch's experience abroad.

The word "bitch" is not what Chen Jin cursed after watching the movie, but the real selling point on the movie brochure.

Moreover, this movie is actually adapted from the original novel. The author Liu Jie is a female writer living in France and now lives in Paris.

Chen Jin feels that this novel was written based on her own experience. What’s more, she graduated from the Department of Literature of Beijing Film Academy and taught for 2 years.

When introducing herself yesterday, Chen Jin felt so disgusted.

Fortunately, the leading actress is a French-Chinese. If any actress from the mainland had played in this movie, she would probably be nailed to the pillar of shame for the rest of her life.

The fact that this movie has a distorted outlook on life is secondary. It is shot in a very vulgar way, with various large-scale scenes revealing the lowliness of the heroine.

It’s just like the title of the movie - bitch.

The French invested in letting Lou Ye shoot such a novel. The purpose is self-evident, which is to let foreigners form a stereotype of Chinese women. Of course, this movie actually has realistic parts. In the future, some Asian toilets will indeed be like the flowers in the movie.

Seeing white people will ovulate sitting on the ground.

Chen Jin also saw Lao Ma, who appeared at the scene with the Venice curators and the chairman of the Biennale, who was also the boss behind Venice.

Such a grand occasion made many media people exclaim in amazement.

It can be seen that "Life Events" is indeed highly regarded by the outside world. Even the two major presidents of Venice came and personally brought so many people to support it.

Not to mention the jury.

All six judges and the chairman were present. Chen Jin had seen them at the banquet a few days ago.

To be honest, the movie lineups for "The Killing" in the morning and "Seediq Bale" in the afternoon were not as grand as the ones below.

Chinese filmmakers and media were all present, as well as competing directors and some leading actors, such as George Clooney and other Hollywood stars; of course, they were not there for Chen Jin or Tian Zhuangzhuang.

But it’s Lao Ma, the face of Mark Muller.

The media people were also well-informed and knew that "Life Events" was a hot topic. After making some inquiries, they all rushed to the scene.

So many viewers were unable to buy tickets.

The Movie Palace Cinema, which can accommodate more than 3000 people, is now fully packed, with not a single empty seat.

"It's amazing! All the powerful people are here!"

Cui Baozhu, who was sitting next to Jet Li, looked at the many foreigners sitting there.

She has participated in several Venice Expos, and of course she knows Mark Muller and others, but they are just acquaintances.

These people will definitely not come to the premiere of "Legend of White Snake" tomorrow, and no one from the jury will show up because it is not a film in the main competition unit.

They just use Venice to sell films to build influence.

But in fact, not all the actors will be present at the films shortlisted for the main competition.

Having one or two judges would be enough to give face.

Moreover, this is not something you can hire just by having money; you need to have the right connections.

Everyone present here knows this very well.

"It must be Director Tian's connections. He won the Best Award at San Marco in Venice and a big award at Berlin!"

The woman with glasses on the other side of Cui Baozhu was talking.

This woman is the director of "A Simple Life" Xu Anhua. Sitting next to her is the lead actor Yip Tak-hun. The three of them are close friends and have a very good relationship in private.

"Then this time we're going for the prize!"

Cui Baozhu glanced at her, and Xu Anhua nodded: "I heard that with so many Chinese-language films nominated this time, one of them will definitely win an award!"

"Did the curator tell you that?"

"He certainly won't promise that..."

Xu Anhua smiled.

She is also very familiar with Mark Muller, and this time, it was Mark Muller who personally found her and asked her to participate in the exhibition.

"The curatorial chairman is an expert on China. He was previously the representative of Asian film selectors. Many domestic directors are familiar with him!"

As Xu Anhua was talking, Cui Baozhu couldn't help but widen her eyes: "There is such a connection?"

"Yes!"

"And he has the best relationship with several directors in the mainland!"

"I think I went to Beijing Film Academy for further studies..."

"No wonder!"

The two people were speaking Cantonese, and at this time Tian Zhuangzhuang was already holding the microphone, introducing the movie "Life Events".

Foreigners all wear simultaneous interpretation equipment that can switch between several languages, so everyone can understand.

They are not in the habit of reading subtitles, and the films to be exhibited must maintain their original sound and cannot record various English dubbings in advance.

"We don't use the funeral industry as a gimmick, but as a vehicle to explore the issues of life and death!"

"Funeral is the most suitable symbol to carry the thoughts about life and death. I hope this movie can convey the awe and cherishment of life, dispel the taboo of death, call on society to face up to the sacredness of the funeral profession, and reflect on the prejudice against practitioners..."

"..."

Tian Zhuangzhuang was talking there, and everyone actually had some understanding of "Life Events". However, when Tian Zhuangzhuang said this, many people would involuntarily think of a similar film in their minds.

"The Undertaker"!
"This type of thing is a bit repetitive, which is not conducive to the award!"

Xu Anhua pushed his glasses and spoke.

"If we refer to "Departures," it will be basically impossible to win an award, right?"

"Will not!"

Xu Anhua said: "If we really refer to "Departures", it would not be nominated at all. The two films should focus on different aspects!"

"With such a good film before it, it's going to be hard to surpass 'Departures'!"

“It depends on the script and the director’s ability!”

Xu Anhua looked at Ah Cheng and Hou Yong standing behind Tian Zhuangzhuang and said: "The film's cast is very strong, they are all regulars of the three major companies!"

“Actors…yes, actors are important too!”

Xu Anhua almost forgot this: "This actor is quite unfamiliar, but I heard that he won the Best Newcomer Award at the Venice Film Festival last year, so his acting skills should be very good!"

"You mean Jinzi? This young man is quite impressive. He is the producer!"

"He invested in the movie?"

Xu Anhua didn't know: "Then it's hard to say about this movie!"

When investors make their own films, they are usually the weakest link; if they are strong, this is not necessary.

"I don't know if he's a good actor, but we took the same flight. This young man gave me the impression that he has a lot of talent!"

"Really?"

Xu Anhua smiled. She believed in Cui Baozhu's vision.

"here we go!"

"This is one of our opponents after all..."

Of course Xu Anhua had to watch it carefully, but Choi Bo Chu and Jet Li standing next to him did not feel any pressure.

They were watching the movie in friendship.

clap clap clap!
Amidst the applause of everyone in the audience, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chen Jin and others sat back in the first row of the viewing area; the lights in the entire theater suddenly dimmed at this time.

The world premiere of "Life Events" has officially begun!
(End of this chapter)