In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

With Han Sanping's support, the project approval process for "A Separation" went exceptionally smoothly.

The Beijing Film Studio gave this project special priority, ensuring a smooth process. By the end of October, all official documents were complete, and the project officially commenced.

The next step is to build a team.

Yang Guangming wasn't in a rush to achieve quick success. He understood very well that for a film to succeed, the script is the bone, the director is the soul, and the actors are the flesh and blood. Whether the flesh and blood are vivid and fitting directly determines the quality of the film.

He spent a week discussing with Xie Fei repeatedly to finalize the core creative team.

Cinematographer Gu Changwei and art director Huo Tingxiao were both recommended by Xie Fei and approved by Yang Guangming himself.

With the backing of Beijing Film Studio and Xie Fei, the invitation process went smoothly. After reading the script, both men were attracted by its depth and power and readily agreed to join the project.

Gu Changwei said to Yang Guangming on the phone: "This script is very rare. I will do my best to shoot the kind of calm yet full of tension that you want."

Huo Tingxiao has already begun to conceive how to use art design to enhance the oppressive feeling of the film, where reality and moral dilemmas intertwine.

With the core team in place, the next crucial step is casting.

Yang Guangming didn't rely entirely on the Beijing Film Studio's pool of actors; he had his own considerations. The actors in this film had to have excellent acting skills, be a good fit in terms of temperament, and be of the right age.

He listed the requirements for the main roles in detail and handed them over to Huang Bo and Duan Yunfeng, asking them to collect information on suitable actors through various channels. He also asked Xie Fei and Han Sanping to help look for recommendations.

The first one confirmed is the male lead, Li Da.

This character is the emotional center and moral fulcrum of the entire film.

A middle-aged intellectual, trapped by life and responsibilities, needs to strike an extremely delicate balance between forbearance, exhaustion, struggle, calculation, and a conscience that has not yet been extinguished. His performance must be restrained and layered; every glance and every pause must carry immense power.

Yang Guangming had several options in mind, but his favorite was Chen Daoming.

At this time, Chen Daoming was thirty-nine years old. He had already established himself as a powerful actor with works such as "The Last Emperor" and "Fortress Besieged". With his elegant temperament and aloofness, and his delicate and profound acting skills, he was the perfect choice to play Li Da.

Through Han Sanping's connections, the invitation was sent to Chen Daoming.

Initially, when Chen Daoming heard that the director was a 17-year-old freshman at the Beijing Film Academy, his first reaction was surprise and doubt. But after reading the script for "A Separation," he remained silent for a long time.

The first thing he said to his agent was, "The script is excellent."

The second sentence was: "I want to meet this director."

The meeting was arranged at a teahouse near the Beijing Film Studio.

Yang Guangming arrived early and chose a quiet private room. He was dressed more conservatively than usual today, wearing a dark sweater and coat. His face was clean-cut for his age, but his eyes were calm and serene.

Chen Daoming entered right on time. He was wearing a simple jacket, was slender, had a serious face, and sharp, scrutinizing eyes.

"Hello, Teacher Chen, I am Yang Guangming." Yang Guangming stood up and extended his hand with neither humility nor arrogance.

Chen Daoming shook hands with him, his grip moderate, and his gaze lingered on his face for a few seconds.

"Yang Guangming, I know you, Venice Film Festival Best Actor, top scorer in the college entrance examination."

Chen Daoming sat down, his eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. "I've read the script, it's excellent. For a seventeen-year-old to write such a story, you truly are a genius. I'm amazed and look forward to meeting you."

But I'm really curious, how did you write such a profound script? I'd also like to know, as a young director, how did you handle this subject matter?

His questions were straightforward, and while expressing admiration and appreciation, they also carried the air of a senior testing a junior.

Yang Guangming did not avoid the question. He poured Chen Daoming a cup of tea and slowly began to speak.

"Teacher Chen, age may represent the length of experience, but it does not necessarily represent the depth of understanding. The moral dilemmas, family responsibilities, and human struggles explored in this script transcend age at their core. It is about choices, about costs, and about the conflicts that everyone may face in their hearts."

He paused, then looked at Chen Daoming.

"As for how to handle it, I think the director's job is to understand and present, not to preach."

I understand the character of Li Da, and I understand his helplessness, calculations, pain, and ultimately his difficult perseverance.

What I need to do is find the most suitable actors, create the most authentic atmosphere, trust the actors, and capture those real moments with the camera.

I chose you because I believe you can portray the heaviness and complexity within Li Da's soul. He's not perfect, even somewhat tragic, but his ultimate choice allowed him to retain his dignity as a human being. This complex gray area requires a top-notch performance to support it.

Yang Guangming's answer was clear and concise, sincere, without youthful boasting or feigned maturity; it only demonstrated a deep understanding of the work and the character, as well as respect for his collaborators.

Chen Daoming listened quietly, the seriousness on his face gradually easing. He picked up his teacup and took a sip.

“Your understanding of Li Da is more thorough than that of many adult directors.” He put down his cup. “I took this role on two conditions.”

"Please speak."

"First, during filming, I hope we can have full communication regarding our understanding and handling of the character Li Da. You are the director, and you have the final decision-making power, but this process requires discussion and debate."

“Of course, that’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for,” Yang Guangming nodded.

"second."

Chen Daoming looked at Yang Guangming and said tactfully, "I know you are a genius, and I believe in the abilities of geniuses, but you are still too young, and this is your first film. I still have some concerns, and I hope you can understand that."

I wanted a focused and professional atmosphere on set. Laughter was acceptable, but not superficiality or laxity. The atmosphere of this film needed to be grounded and serious.

“On this point, I completely agree with you,” Yang Guangming said confidently. “I will ensure that the film crew is in a purely creative environment.”

A faint smile finally appeared on Chen Daoming's face. "Alright, I'll take the role of Li Da. I look forward to a very good collaboration between us in the future."

Yang Guangming felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you, Professor Chen. It was a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you." Chen Daoming extended his hand again.

After seeing Chen Daoming off, Yang Guangming was in a good mood. With the toughest part over, the subsequent casting process should be relatively smoother.

The female protagonist, Gao Min, is Li Da's wife. She is a middle-class urban woman who is also in dire straits. She appears stoic and elegant, but is determined and even somewhat stubborn at heart.

This role requires the actor to have strong inner tension, appearing calm on the outside but with a turbulent inner world.

Xie Fei recommended several candidates, and after considering them one by one, Yang Guangming chose Xi Meijuan.

Xi Meijuan, also 39, possesses superb acting skills, especially adept at portraying complex female characters. She exudes the air of an intellectual woman—calm, resilient, and perfectly suited to the role of Gao Min.

The contact process went smoothly as well. After reading the script, Xi Meijuan was deeply attracted by the character Gao Min and agreed to the role almost without hesitation.

She told Yang Guangming over the phone, "This character is not simple. She has her pain and limitations, but she also has her strength and perseverance. I want to bring her to life."

The daughter, Li Mei, is a precocious and sensitive teenager. Beneath her quiet exterior lies a turbulent undercurrent of turmoil over the family's upheavals.

This character doesn't have many scenes, but they are extremely crucial. They provide a vital perspective for connecting and observing the collapse of the entire family, making the performance very challenging.

Young actresses who are the right age and have enough acting skills are extremely rare these days.

Yang Guangming thought of the girl with the clear, melodious voice in Casablanca.

"Huang Bo." He called Huang Bo into the study. "Do you remember Zhou Xun, the singer from Casablanca? What's your relationship like?"

Huang Bo nodded: "We get along pretty well. Her voice is quite unique, and she's also very pretty."

"Contact her and ask her to audition for the role of Li Mei," Yang Guangming instructed. "Give her a snippet of the script so she can prepare."

Huang Bo was somewhat surprised, but immediately agreed: "Okay, I'll take care of it right away."

When Zhou Xun received Huang Bo's call, she was in a daze backstage at the karaoke bar. Upon hearing that it was Yang Guangming asking her to audition for a movie role, she was stunned for a long time, and then she couldn't suppress her excitement and nervousness.

Of course she knew who Yang Guangming was. The Venice Film Festival Best Actor, the "young master" who spent a fortune in Casablanca that night. She never expected that someone like him would remember a small-time singer like herself, much less give her an audition opportunity.

She held the script excerpt Huang Bo had given her, reading it over and over again, trying to understand the mindset of the girl named Li Mei. The dialogue was minimal; it was mostly about her eyes and her demeanor.

The audition was arranged in a rehearsal room at the Beijing Film Studio.

When Yang Guangming arrived, Zhou Xun was already there. She looked more natural than when she was at the karaoke bar, wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, her hair tied in a ponytail, and without any makeup, making her appear even younger.

"Hello, Director Yang," Zhou Xun greeted him somewhat awkwardly.

"Don't be nervous." Yang Guangming smiled, trying to ease her tension. "Have you watched the clip?"

"I've watched it, I've watched it many times," Zhou Xun nodded quickly.

“Okay, let’s begin.” Yang Guangming didn’t waste any pleasantries and went straight to the point. “I’ll give you the lines. You’ll act out the scene where Li Mei sits alone by the window in her room after her father and mother have argued. There are no lines. I need you to portray the silence of hearing everything, understanding everything, yet being powerless to change anything, and the kind of dull pain and alienation that comes with that silence.”

Zhou Xun took a deep breath and nodded.

She walked to the window of the rehearsal room, turned her back to the sunlight, and slowly sat down. She didn't immediately get into character, but remained quiet for a few seconds, her shoulders slumping slightly and her head hanging low.

Then, she slowly turned her head, her gaze unfocused as she stared into the empty space outside the window.

In that instant, Yang Guangming seemed to see another soul infuse into this young body.

Her eyes were vacant, yet seemed to carry too many unspeakable things. Her lips were slightly pursed, and the lines of her chin revealed a stubborn fragility. Her fingers, resting on her knees, unconsciously curled and then relaxed.

She didn't cry, nor did she show any strong emotions, but the pervasive sadness, confusion, and the numbness of being forced to mature prematurely filled the entire space with undeniable realism.

Yang Guangming watched quietly, already knowing what was going on.

The performance lasted for about three minutes before Yang Guangming called for it to stop.

Zhou Xun snapped out of her reverie and looked at him somewhat uneasily.

"Are you twenty years old this year?" Yang Guangming asked.

“Yes,” Zhou Xun answered softly.

“She looks like she’s sixteen or seventeen.” Yang Guangming nodded. “The performance was very inspired. You captured the essence of Li Mei—that silent pain.”

He paused for a moment, then asked directly, "If you were to play this role, could you guarantee that you would be fully committed during filming, follow the director's instructions, and... temporarily put aside your work at the nightclub?"

Zhou Xun's eyes lit up instantly, as if they had been filled with stars. "I can! I promise! I can ask for leave from the karaoke bar, or..." She bit her lip, "If the film crew needs me, I can skip singing!"

For her, this was a dream opportunity, enough to make her give up everything she had.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "That won't be necessary. The filming period is about two months. Your scenes are relatively concentrated, so it will probably take about a month. Just make sure the karaoke bar can coordinate things."

He looked at Zhou Xun and said formally, "Well then, welcome to the cast of 'A Separation.' Zhou Xun, you will be playing Li Mei."

Zhou Xun was stunned, then a surge of joy welled up inside her, and her eyes instantly reddened. "Thank you! Thank you, Young Master Ming! I... I will definitely act well! I will never let you down!"

Yang Guangming spoke gently, "I believe you can play this role well. Huang Bo will handle the specific contract and arrangements with you. Prepare well."

The maid is actually the female lead in the film, with a significant role and concentrated emotional outbursts, which is extremely challenging for her acting skills.

This woman from the lower class is devout, humble, and resilient, while enduring immense suffering in life. The vitality and protest that erupts from her desperate situation requires the actress to have extremely strong acting tension and empathy.

Yang Guangming thought of Siqin Gaowa almost without hesitation.

On the set of "In the Heat of the Sun," he was deeply impressed by Siqin Gaowa's professionalism and acting skills. She possesses a profound, earthy quality, capable of portraying both restraint and immense power.

When the call was made, Siqin Gaowa was resting at home. Upon hearing about Yang Guangming's new film offer, and such a challenging role at that, she carefully inquired about the plot and the character.

“This maid…her life is so hard, but she has such a strong spirit.” Siqin Gaowa pondered on the other end of the phone. “The script sounds very powerful. Guangming, are you sure I can play the role well?”

“Ms. Siqin, this role is perfect for you.” Yang Guangming said sincerely, “I have seen many of your works. You can portray the soul of people from the lower classes. This maid needs more than just a depiction of suffering; she also needs dignity and strength. I believe only you can give her this complexity.”

Siqin Gaowa was persuaded by him, "Let me see the complete script. If it's really as good as you say, I'll take the role."

After the script was submitted, Siqin Gaowa called back the next day, her voice trembling with excitement: "Guangming, this script is fantastic! The role of the maid is very challenging, I'll take it! I'll do my best!"

The maid's husband, a man consumed by impotent rage, fragile self-esteem, and deep-seated guilt, was chosen by Yang Guangming to be Wang Xueqi.

Wang Xueqi is a talented actor, skilled at portraying ordinary people, and can vividly depict their outward strength but inner weakness, their distorted state by the pressures of life. After being contacted, Wang Xueqi read the role description, was very interested, and readily agreed.

The father, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, has a small role, but he needs to embody a kind of innocent purity amidst the turbidity of his condition, as well as the tragic sense brought about by the disease. Yang Guangming thought of the veteran artist Lan Tianye from the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Lan Tianye is a highly respected actor whose acting skills are superb. After being invited by Han Sanping and Xie Fei, and having learned about the script's theme and the role, Lan Tianye gladly agreed to lend his support.

The role of the judge, though with fewer scenes, requires a calm, authoritative, and slightly weary demeanor befitting someone within the system. Yang Guangming chose Li Baotian, known for his solid acting skills and upright image.

When Li Baotian received the invitation, he heard it was a film directed by Yang Guangming and produced by Han Sanping. After reading the script, he felt it had great social significance and agreed to star in it.

Other minor roles, such as Li Da's colleague and the maid's creditor, were quickly decided among the candidates recommended by Xie Fei, Han Sanping, and the Beijing Film Studio.

With this, the main cast of "A Separation" has been finalized: Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Zhou Xun, Siqin Gaowa, Wang Xueqi, Lan Tianye, and Li Baotian.

This lineup is nothing short of luxurious. Even Xie Fei and Han Sanping were somewhat surprised when the final list was confirmed.

Looking at the list, Xie Fei exclaimed, "Guangming, your eye for casting is truly sharp. Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan are a perfect match in terms of temperament. Siqin Gaowa playing a maid is a perfect fit. Zhou Xun, that girl, also showed great talent during her audition, and her image is a good fit as well."

Han Sanping laughed and said, "That's great. We don't have to worry about the acting skills of our crew at all. It all depends on whether you, as the director, can unite so many good actors into a cohesive team and produce what you want."

Yang Guangming was confident. A high degree of compatibility between the actor and the role is half the battle. The other half depends on his directing skills and the collaboration of the entire team.

In early November, the production team was officially established, and the first meeting of all the main creators was held at the Beijing Film Studio.

The conference room was filled with people sitting on both sides of the long table.

Yang Guangming sat in the main seat, with executive producer Han Sanping and art director Xie Fei to his left, and cinematographer Gu Changwei and art director Huo Tingxiao to his right. Below them were the main actors, including Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, Wang Xueqi, and Zhou Xun, as well as assistant directors and other department heads.

Today, Yang Guangming wore a well-fitting dark casual suit. Although his face still had the youthful handsomeness, his eyes were calm and his demeanor was composed, already giving him the aura of a director.

He first introduced the basic information about the project, the filming schedule, and the overall requirements, and then invited the main creators and actors to speak.

Chen Daoming spoke concisely: "The script is very good, and I will prepare seriously for the role of Li Da. I hope everyone can focus on their creative work during filming."

Xi Meijuan spoke gently but firmly: "Gao Min is a very complex character. I will try my best to get close to her and portray her dilemmas and choices."

Siqin Gaowa said in a loud voice: "The role of the maid touched me. I came from a hard life, so I know that feeling. I will portray her as a real person."

Wang Xueqi laughed and said, "My character isn't likable, but he's quite interesting. Don't worry, director, I'll bring out his pitiful yet hateful side."

Zhou Xun was still a little nervous, but her eyes were bright: "Thank you, director, for giving me this opportunity. Li Mei... I understand that feeling of quietly watching everything collapse. I will try my best."

The highly respected teacher, Lan Tianye, speaks slowly and deliberately but with great strength: "The role of the father, illness makes him innocent, but it also makes him a burden. It is worth pondering carefully."

Li Baotian is very pragmatic: "The judge doesn't have many scenes, but his role is significant. I will keep a good eye on the proportions."

The statements from the lead actors created an atmosphere in the meeting room that was both serious and full of anticipation. Everyone knew that director Yang Guangming had high expectations for this film; it was not an ordinary commercial film, but a work aimed at reaching artistic heights and exploring profound aspects of human nature.

Yang Guangming concluded in a clear and calm voice.

"Thank you to all the teachers and colleagues for joining 'A Farewell'. We are gathered here because we are moved by the same story and attracted by the same force."

This film tells not only the story of a family's predicament, but also the situation that each of us may face in the face of changing times and moral choices. It does not offer simple answers, but only presents a complex reality.

I have only one requirement for everyone: authenticity. The performances must be authentic, the emotions must be authentic, and the shots must be authentic.

We must refrain from emotional appeals and avoid preaching, and instead present the most pressing predicaments with the calmest observations.

During filming, I will fully respect the creative work of all the teachers, and I hope everyone can trust me so we can work together to make this film a success.

His speech was brief and powerful, without any boastful promises, only his devotion to the work and his trust in the team.

Whether seasoned veterans or newcomers, everyone present could sense the young director's focus and determination. After the first meeting, the production team entered a tense preparation phase.

Art director Huo Tingxiao and his team began scouting locations.

According to the script, because the story involves a Muslim religious setting, it takes place in Yinchuan. However, considering the filming costs and time, Yang Guangming decided to film the main scenes in Beijing, and only send the assistant director and the photography team to Yinchuan to film necessary city shots and a few exterior scenes.

Huo Tingxiao needed to find residential buildings, streets, and interior scenes in the suburbs of Beijing that matched the film's atmosphere.

He has extremely high standards for detail; the degree of peeling paint on the walls, the style of the furniture, and even the thickness of the dust on the windowsill must all conform to the character's identity and the atmosphere of the plot.

Cinematographer Gu Changwei then began to repeatedly discuss the film's visual style with Yang Guangming.

Both agreed that the footage should be calm, restrained, and textured, using more fixed camera positions and long takes, reducing flashy movements and editing, and allowing the audience's attention to focus more on the actors' performances and the details of the scenes.

Yang Guangming produced a detailed storyboard and discussed camera positions, lighting, and staging with Gu Changwei frame by frame. Gu Changwei was surprised to find that the young man's directorial concept was extremely mature, and his use of cinematic language was sophisticated beyond his years.

"Guangming, your storyboard doesn't look like something someone shooting a feature film for the first time would do. Your talent is truly enviable," Gu Changwei remarked with admiration.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "The more you think, the more detailed your preparation will be. We still need Teacher Gu's guidance to turn the words into vivid images."

The actors have also entered their respective preparation stages.

Chen Daoming locked himself at home, repeatedly studying the script, writing character biographies, and pondering every subtle psychological change in Li Da.

He even went to the bank to observe the daily work of the employees and to the vegetable market to feel the fatigue of middle-aged men.

Xi Meijuan then began to experience the psychology of a middle-class woman who intended to immigrate and was experiencing estrangement from her husband. She looked up some information about immigration and family relationships, and also chatted with friends who had similar experiences, trying to find the feeling of determination and hesitation that Gao Min had in her heart.

Siqin Gaowa's preparation method was more "down-to-earth". She changed into simple clothes and went to some places in Beijing where migrant workers gathered to observe the middle-aged women who worked as cleaners and nannies.

Observe how they walk, how they talk, and what's in their eyes.

She also made a special effort to learn about the religious details in the script in order to make her performance authentic.

Zhou Xun faced the most pressure. She not only had to portray Li Mei well, but also had to quickly get into character for the film.

She stopped going to karaoke bars and spent her days reading scripts, observing middle school students, or spacing out, trying to capture the sensitivity and alienation unique to adolescence.

Yang Guangming asked Huang Bo to find some classic teen movies for her to study and reference.

Veteran actors such as Wang Xueqi, Lan Tianye, and Li Baotian are also preparing for their roles in their own ways.

The entire production crew operated like a sophisticated machine, running efficiently and systematically under Yang Guangming's overall planning and the collaboration of the heads of various departments.

Huang Bo, as Yang Guangming's personal assistant, has been extremely busy lately.

He needed to coordinate Yang Guangming's schedule, liaise with various parties, and handle all sorts of unexpected matters. But he learned quickly and did things meticulously, arranging everything in an orderly manner so that Yang Guangming could devote himself fully to the creative preparation.

Duan Yunfeng gradually shifted to higher-level coordination work, taking charge of liaising with the Beijing Film Studio and providing logistical support for the film crew.

By mid-November, everything was ready.

Filming for "A Separation" officially began in a newly built, modern residential area on the outskirts of Beijing.

There was no grand opening ceremony, no media attention, and Yang Guangming insisted on a low-key start to filming.

He addressed the entire crew, saying, “From today onward, we are comrades-in-arms fighting side by side. The battlefield is this film set, and the enemy is our own potential complacency and impetuosity. We have only one goal: to make a film that is worthy of the script, worthy of ourselves, and worthy of the future audience.”

The first scene depicts Li Da and Gao Min arguing at home during their first formal discussion about immigration.

The scene was set up in an extremely lifelike manner, with bookshelves piled with clutter and withered green plants on the windowsill. The lighting was natural, simulating the light of late afternoon or early evening.

Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan had already changed their clothes and put on light makeup, and were sitting on the sofa in the living room, preparing themselves for the occasion.

Yang Guangming sat behind the monitor, his expression focused. Gu Changwei was beside him, adjusting the final camera position.

"Actors, get ready." Yang Guangming picked up the walkie-talkie.

The scene quieted down.

"Scene 1, Shot 1 of 'A Separation,' action!"

The stage manager claps the clapperboard.

In the scene, Li Da, played by Chen Daoming, leans wearily against the sofa, holding a document in his hand—materials from an immigration agency.

Xi Meijuan, who plays Gao Min, sits in the chair opposite him, her hands clasped together, her eyes filled with anticipation and trepidation.

After a few simple words, the atmosphere became tense.

Gao Min detailed the benefits of immigration, for the sake of the children and the future. Li Da listened silently, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the document.

When Gao Min mentioned that her father could be sent to a better nursing home, Li Da looked up and glanced at her.

That glance held no fierce anger, only deep weariness and a hint of hurtful disappointment.

“My dad is a burden, isn’t he?” His voice was low and even a little hoarse.

"That's not what I meant..." Gao Min explained, but her tone couldn't hide her realistic considerations.

"What does that mean?" Li Da put down the documents and leaned forward slightly. "Send him to a nursing home, pay someone to take care of him, and then we just leave? Gao Min, that's my dad!"

“He’s my father too!” Gao Min’s emotions also surged. “But what can we do? Immigrate with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s? Who will take care of him? What will happen to our lives? What will happen to Xiaomei’s future?”

The argument escalated, but both remained restrained, their voices low, as if afraid of disturbing something—a tactic more befitting of this intellectual couple. Yet, it was precisely this restrained argument that revealed a deeper rift and a sense of powerlessness.

Yang Guangming stared intently at the monitor.

Chen Daoming's performance was exquisite. Li Da's exhaustion, forbearance, helplessness under the pressure of life, and the pain of understanding yet being unable to accept his wife were all conveyed through subtle facial expressions and body language.

Xi Meijuan portrayed Gao Min's rationality, anxiety, and the vulnerability and confusion hidden beneath her toughness with distinct layers.

Their performances weren't "acted" out; they flowed naturally from the characters' inner world.

"Cut!" Yang Guangming shouted.

He walked up to the two actors, a satisfied look on his face.

"Teacher Chen, Teacher Xi, very good. Especially that sense of restraint, it's perfect. Let's keep one point: let's let our emotions outward a little bit more, just a little bit, and try different levels of intensity."

Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan nodded, made some adjustments, and filmed another take.

This one has a slightly higher emotional intensity, but it's still within a controllable range; the sense of being torn apart is stronger.

Yang Guangming watched the replay and exchanged opinions with Gu Changwei in a low voice. In the end, they chose the first option.

"Okay, that's a good take. Let's get ready for the next one."

The first day of filming went smoothly.

On set, Yang Guangming was decisive and clear in his command, and his communication with the actors was precise and effective. He didn't seem like a novice director directing a feature film for the first time.

His composure and professionalism quickly won the trust of everyone on the crew.

Filming proceeded smoothly and according to plan.

After Siqin Gaowa joined the group, her performance brought even more shock to everyone.

The scene where the maid first comes to Li Da's house for a trial job, her cautious, humble yet hopeful expression, her slightly hunched back when walking, and her earnest, almost pious movements when washing the rags, vividly portray the image of a working-class woman.

Chen Daoming, who acted opposite her, was also moved by her performance. Li Da's intellectual politeness, subtle sense of superiority, and unconsciously revealed pity when facing the maid were all more delicate and natural.

The scene where Wang Xueqi's character, the husband, comes to ask for money is incredibly powerful.

He perfectly portrayed the anger, scoundrelhood, and ultimately pitiful pleading of a man crushed by life and with a distorted sense of self-esteem.

His scenes with Siqin Gaowa were full of sparks, yet so real they were heartbreaking.

Zhou Xun's performance brought another kind of surprise.

She is indeed exceptionally talented, with a strong sensitivity and expressiveness in front of the camera.

The role of Li Mei was almost tailor-made for her. Her quiet observation, the insight and sorrow in her eyes that were beyond her years, were all portrayed effortlessly by her, yet they touched people's hearts.

Although she didn't have many lines in her several family scenes with Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan, her presence was extremely strong, perfectly forming a silent yet important pole in this family triangle.

Although Lan Tianye's portrayal of the ailing father was brief, it was exceptionally brilliant.

He portrayed the innocence and dependence that comes with lost memories, as well as the confusion and pain in the occasional moments of lucidity, making the character more than just a simple symbol, but a heart-wrenching individual.

Li Baotian's portrayal of the judge is calm and authoritative. With just a few words in the courtroom scene, he establishes the cold tone of the entire legal process, which contrasts sharply with the emotional outburst of the maid's family.

As the director, Yang Guangming demonstrated strong control over the project.

He not only has strict requirements for performances, but also strives for perfection in every aspect, including visuals, lighting, and sound.

He would repeatedly adjust the lighting and shadow effects of a single shot with Gu Changwei; he would demand a reshoot for the slightest discordant noise in the background; and he would patiently communicate and guide the actors to convey the emotional intensity of a single line of dialogue.

But he never acted arbitrarily and was always a good listener.

He would carefully consider Chen Daoming's suggestions on the pacing of a scene, adopt Huo Tingxiao's ideas for optimizing a scene setting, and work with Gu Changwei to study how to tell a story better through the lens.

The atmosphere on set was tense and focused, yet filled with creative passion and mutual respect. Everyone shared the same goal: to make a good film.

Filming progressed even more smoothly than expected. The actors were in good form, the team worked together seamlessly, and Yang Guangming's preparations were extremely thorough, allowing many scenes to be completed in just one or two takes, greatly saving time.

The filming period was originally scheduled for two months, but halfway through, Yang Guangming felt that it might be completed ahead of schedule.

Before we knew it, it was already the end of December.

The winter in Beijing was bitterly cold, but the crew's enthusiasm remained high. The final few scenes were the culmination of the film's emotions and conflicts.

One scene depicts a maid in court, facing questioning from the judge and the opposing lawyer, breaking down emotionally and screaming out her long-suppressed suffering and injustice.

Siqin Gaowa delivered a textbook performance in this scene. From the initial tense statement to the panic when being interrogated, and finally to the complete breakdown and accusation, the emotions progressed layer by layer, and the explosion had an overwhelming power. Many staff members on set were moved to tears.

The other scene is Li Da's final conversation with his wife Gao Min in the living room late at night after he finally made his decision.

There was no heated argument between them, only an extreme exhaustion and a desolate decision to part ways.

Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan's performances were restrained yet profound; all their emotions were conveyed through their eyes and subtle movements, making them even more impactful than loud crying.

The final scene shows Li Da alone in the silence of his father's now empty room.

The camera slowly pans across the old objects in the room, finally settling on Li Da's figure standing by the window. Outside, the city sky is gray and hazy, and his silhouette appears lonely and heavy.

Yang Guangming watched the camera from behind the monitor, remaining silent for a long time.

"Cut!" the assistant director yelled.

The scene was completely silent.

Then, Yang Guangming stood up, picked up the walkie-talkie, and his voice clearly echoed throughout the set: "A Farewell, filming wrapped!"

After a brief silence, applause and cheers erupted.

Filming for "A Separation" was completed in 44 days, half a month ahead of schedule.

The wrap party was held at a nice restaurant near the crew's accommodation. Everyone, from the director and lead actors to the stagehands, gathered together.

The atmosphere was less fervent and more expectant than when filming for "In the Heat of the Sun" wrapped up.

The initial elation of finally making it through was gone; instead, there was a sense of satisfaction, exhaustion, and anticipation for the future after jointly completing an important work.

As the director, Yang Guangming was the first to raise his glass.

"Thank you all for your hard work these past forty-four days." His gaze swept over every familiar face present. "Thank you, Teacher Chen, Teacher Xi, Teacher Siqin, Teacher Wang, Zhou Xun, Teacher Lan, Teacher Li... Thank you for your wonderful performances. Thank you, Teacher Gu, Teacher Huo, and all the colleagues behind the scenes. Without everyone's all-out efforts, we wouldn't have been able to wrap up filming today."

This film embodies a great deal of our hard work and carries many of our hopes. Filming has ended, but our work is not. Post-production is equally important. I will do my best to perfectly present everyone's efforts on the big screen.

I'd like to raise a glass to everyone!
For "A Farewell," and for the time we spent together.

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

Chen Daoming rarely showed a relaxed smile and said to Yang Guangming, "Director Yang, it was a pleasure working with you. You are a very talented director. A genius is a genius. Age really doesn't matter in front of a genius. You can't deny it. I look forward to working with you again."

Xi Meijuan smiled and said, "This filming experience was unforgettable. I really enjoyed playing the role of Gao Min. Thank you for your trust."

Siqin Gaowa had drunk quite a bit, her face flushed, and she said heartily, "Director Yang, if you have a good script and a good role like this again, remember to look for me! It's so much fun working with you young people!"

Senior figures such as Wang Xueqi, Lan Tianye, and Li Baotian also expressed their appreciation and best wishes to Yang Guangming.

Zhou Xun, holding a glass of wine, walked up to Yang Guangming, her eyes sparkling: "Director Yang, thank you. I've learned so much during this time. Li Mei will be a role I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Yang Guangming patted her on the shoulder: "You seized the opportunity yourself. The audition went very well. Keep up the good work, you have a long road ahead of you."

Huang Bo and Duan Yunfeng sat at a table a little further away, watching Yang Guangming being surrounded by a crowd.

Huang Bo whispered to Duan Yunfeng, "Brother Duan, sometimes I still feel like I'm dreaming. Following Young Master Ming, I've seen so much and done so many things. The gains have been immense."

Duan Yunfeng smiled and said, "This is just the beginning. If we can keep up with the post-production, we'll be busy at next year's film festival."

After the wrap party, the crew disbanded and everyone went their separate ways.

Everyone is very optimistic about this film and looks forward to reuniting with it on the stage of an international film festival in the near future.

Yang Guangming's focus in life has shifted back to post-production.

He personally participated in every step of the process, from editing and music composition to sound effects and color grading, working repeatedly with the post-production team to refine the content.

He wanted to ensure that every detail of the final film matched his initial vision and conveyed the power of the script to the greatest extent possible.

He often spends an entire day in the editing room, repeatedly watching footage and searching for the most precise editing points. Xie Fei would occasionally come over to check on him and offer some suggestions, but more often he would let Yang Guangming practice and explore on his own.

Han Sanping was also very concerned about the post-production progress. After watching the initial cut, he was very excited: "This film is a success! It has a strong impact. The acting, narrative, and visuals are all top-notch. Guangming, this time, you're probably really going to make a big splash."

Yang Guangming felt a sense of anticipation, but mostly remained calm. He knew that completing the film was only the first step; the real test would come from the upcoming film festival journey.

Time quietly slipped into February 1995.

Post-production is entering its final sprint. Meanwhile, Siqin Gaowa is packing her bags to head to Germany—she has been invited to serve as a jury member at this year's Berlin International Film Festival.

Before leaving, she made a phone call to Yang Guangming.

"Guangming, how's the post-production going?" Siqin Gaowa asked.

"That's about it. We should be able to finish everything this month," Yang Guangming replied.

“Okay.” Siqin Gaowa’s tone was filled with anticipation. “During my trip to Berlin, I will do more research, listen more, and promote the film more. Our film is aiming for Cannes, right?”

"Yes, we plan to submit it to the Cannes Film Festival in May."

“I’m confident,” Siqin Gaowa said with a smile. “The quality of the film speaks for itself. Although I can’t directly help, I can take this opportunity to promote it. You focus on the post-production, and we’ll work together to make it happen in Cannes.”

"Thank you, Teacher Siqin," Yang Guangming said sincerely. (End of Chapter)