Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 61: King of Sitges

In the small town of Sitges, on the morning of October 14, a thin mist covered the sea like a veil.

On the hotel balcony, Wu Chen leaned against the railing, the warm water in his hand still wet, his eyes as calm as the deep sea.

After it was sold to Lionsgate for $100 million in North America, the rest were scraps, which were sold to eight more companies, for a total of $26.

In some small Southeast Asian countries, one sells for only 20,000 or 30,000 US dollars, or even more than 10,000 US dollars. It can be said that something is better than nothing.

The Seaside Theater is more lively today than in the past few days.

Because this is the last day in Sitges, the small town will be completely excited because of the closing ceremony, and will also return to its former silence after the end.

The cell phone was placed on the balcony table, the screen was dark, and Wu Chen waited quietly.

The Seaside Theatre is not big and cannot accommodate so many people, and there are also media, so if there are any awards, the organizing committee will call in advance on the morning of the same day to inform.

In the next room, Hu Jing and Dong Xuan woke up early. The morning light shone through the curtains onto their faces. They looked at each other from time to time, with anxiety in their eyes.

"Do you think we can win the prize?" Hu Jing looked at the sea, the morning light reflected in her eyes, a gentle yet nervous look.

"How would I know?" Dong Xuan shook her head. "But I trust the director."

"Well, I think it's shot very well. Our rating is first, so we should at least give it an award." Hu Jing nodded.

The two were quite nervous.

This is their first international film festival.

A ringtone pierced the silence in Wu Chen's room. Wu Chen picked up the phone and heard the voice of the organizing committee:

"Congratulations! On behalf of the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival Organizing Committee, I sincerely invite you to attend the closing ceremony, which will begin at 8 p.m. sharp."

After Wu Chen replied with a thank you, he walked out of the room and knocked on the doors of Zu Feng, Hu Jing and others.

"How is it, Director?" Several people looked at Wu Chen in unison, their excitement evident in their words.

Wu Chen smiled slightly and said calmly: "The dress came in handy."

"Director, you're amazing." Hu Jing suddenly rushed over, hugged Wu Chen, and her voice was as loud as a bell.

"Sister Jing, don't take advantage of me. Boys really have to protect themselves when they are outside." Wu Chen said with a smile, looking disgusted.

"This is a hug of thanks, Director Wu. What are you thinking? Girls won't like you like this." Hu Jing teased.

"Are you sure?" Wu Chen smiled playfully.

Hu Jing was defeated and spread her hands:
"Okay, I admit that people like you are the most popular. But you better be careful of some fairies and don't let them trick you one day."

Seeing this, Dong Xuan's eyes flashed with envy.

Hu Jing, who has no ideas, can be calm and composed, and she actually thinks more.

As night falls, the closing ceremony of the 36th Sitges Fantastic Film Festival opens grandly.

The red carpet winds along the main street like a red dragon, the salty sea breeze blows the dresses, and the lights outside the theater are like stars, illuminating every expectant face.

Compared to his obscurity at the opening ceremony, Wu Chen became the focus of foreign media at the closing ceremony.

"Wu, look over here!"

"here!"

"."

Reporters' shutters snapped wildly and flashes rained down.

Because Wu Chen was given special treatment by the media, Zu Feng, Hu Jing and Dong Xuan also cooperated and waved to the media on the red carpet.

Hu Jing wore a dark blue velvet dress that dragged on the ground, with transparent tulle on her shoulders. She walked lightly and had a bright smile.

Dong Xuan wore a white floor-length dress with a belt at the waist outlining her curves. The hem of the skirt flowed like clouds, exuding a cool elegance.

The two men pushed Wu Chen in the middle, allowing the media to take pictures with great pleasure.

The venue was packed, and the old-fashioned chandeliers cast warm yellow light.

Wu Chen's crew was located right next to Johnnie To's "Big Event" crew, and it was obvious that the organizing committee had made careful arrangements.

"Director Du!" Wu Chen gestured with a smile.

"It seems like everyone has gained something. The trip was not in vain." Johnnie To replied happily.

The two chatted without saying a word.

The host took the stage, the lights focused, and the voice boomed: "Welcome to the Sitges Closing Ceremony!"

The applause was thunderous and the atmosphere was tense.

There are many awards in Sitges, including the main competition, short films and other units. Time unknowingly pushed to after 9 o'clock.

Sitges' awards are different from the three major international awards, but are more similar to the Oscars.

Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, Best Special Effects, Best Original Soundtrack
The awards were presented one by one, and "Dark Side" won nothing.

The best screenplay award was given to "Code 46", and Hu Jing and others breathed a sigh of relief.

There is a guaranteed prize, small prizes don’t matter, if you want to fight for it, fight for the big ones.

"Best Photography Award--" The award presenter glanced at everyone, and everyone in the venue held their breath.

"Winner: Wu Chen, 'The Dark Side'!"

"Director Wu, congratulations!" Johnnie To and others congratulated Wu Chen.

Hu Jing and the others hugged him one by one, but Wu Chen felt that they seemed a little lost.

The theater roared and cheers were deafening. Wu Chen walked slowly onto the stage, and the lights danced over his shoulders.

He took the crystal trophy, the sharp edges reflecting the dazzling light, and whispered:

“Thank you Sitges, thank you team. This award belongs to photography and the soul of every shot.”

A short, resounding sentence drew a wave of applause from the audience. Returning to his seat, Wu Chen shook a few people and asked, "Why do you seem unhappy?"

"Director Wu, there is a prize anyway, and a small prize is definitely not as good as a big one!" Hu Jing muttered softly.

“You think it’s the three major film festivals?”

Wu Chen laughed when he heard this.

It was the first time for several of us to participate, and the film festival did not clearly state the award rules, so it was understandable that we didn’t understand.

“The Sitges Technical Award and the Grand Prize do not conflict, don’t worry.”

Upon hearing this, the eyes of several people continued to sparkle with anticipation, mixed with excitement and nervousness.

Because the guaranteed prize is no longer available.

Next up for Best Photography is Best Actress.

Hu Jing and Dong Xuan were extremely nervous, as they had a chance to win this award.

But in the end, she lost to Monica Lopez from Spain's "The Uninvited", which made both of them quite regretful.

He also lost the Best Actor award to Christian Bale in "The Machinist".

"Best Director Award——"

"Johnnie To!"

"."

"Congratulations, Director Du!" Wu Chen clapped his hands and congratulated Johnnie To.

Johnnie To clasped his hands together and smiled heartily: "Thank you!"

That leaves only one grand prize.

Zu Feng and the other two didn't dare to expect too much.

"Director Wu, we won't just end up with a Best Cinematography award, right?" Hu Jing muttered softly as she looked at Johnnie To up there.

"Not bad, the first movie has achieved good results, and it will only get better and better in the future." Zu Feng said with comfort when he saw this.

"Yes, it will only get better." Dong Xuan agreed.

The three of them were a little worried that if it ended like this, Wu Chen would find it difficult to accept it.

Currently, domestic and international media reports all use the word "genius".

At this moment, the three of them had just finished speaking.

"Best Picture—"

"The Dark Side!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Johnnie To, Richie Jen and Kelly Chen who were standing next to them all looked sideways, their eyes filled with shock.

Hu Jing pinched her face: "Did I hear correctly?"

"It should be right!"

“I really won the biggest prize!”

The three cheered in unison, "Director, you win the award!"

Countless eyes swept over, with amazement and disbelief mixed in.

"21 years old, this is a bit too crazy." Christian Bale from the "Mechanic" crew looked at Wu Chen and couldn't help but sigh.

"Not only that, I heard from the CAA people that he rejected CAA." Director Bratt Anderson added, making several people in the crew look at him strangely.

"Wouldn't he like to come to Hollywood?"

"I don't know about that. Geniuses are always so elusive!"

Anderson shrugged. If he had to choose, he would accept it.

At this moment, a clip from "The Dark Side" flashed on the big screen - cold eyes behind the dim mirror, close-ups of dripping sweat, every frame was as sharp as a knife engraving into the bones.

Wu Chen came on stage again, and cheers came like waves.

Taking the heavy trophy, Wu Chen's eyes lit up like stars, and he smiled slightly:
"I am honored. I would like to thank the organizing committee, the crew, my alma mater, Beijing Film Academy, my family, my teachers and my friends. Without them, The Dark Side would not have been possible."

Wu Chen said this and bowed slightly.

The media thought that Wu Chen's acceptance speech would end there, but unexpectedly Wu Chen continued:
"Sitges is my testing ground, but not my destination. Cinema is the art of storytelling, and my story has only just begun."

The slightly domineering words were sharp and the reporters' shutters were clicking wildly.

"It's good to be young." Johnnie To couldn't help but sigh when he saw this.

If he had won this award, he wouldn't have been able to say such domineering lines.

He's already halfway through his life!
"Director, you're so domineering." Hu Jing and Dong Xuan's eyes sparkled.
Zu Feng clapped his hands and was genuinely happy for Wu Chen.

He witnessed almost the entire process from the preparation and establishment of the crew to the start of filming and the finalization of the film. Wu Chen put in a lot of effort and worked almost single-handedly from the beginning to the end. It was worth it to have such an achievement.

The closing ceremony ended, reporters blocked the exit and microphones were everywhere.

"Wu, how does it feel to win the double prize?"

“What are your plans for the next film? Will you come to Sitges again?”

"I'm very happy. I want to get it next time." Wu Chen responded with a smile. At this moment, a white reporter rushed forward and said, "Wu, I heard that you are going to Hollywood to make a movie and have reached a cooperation agreement. Is this true?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's attention was focused, even Hu Jing and others stared with wide eyes.

Wu Chen was stunned. He looked up and saw Blum waving and baring his teeth not far away. It was obvious that this Hollywood media was specially arranged.

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)