Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 197, Section 195: Winning the Laurel

November 8, 1998, Tokyo.

The chill of late autumn enveloped this international metropolis, but inside the Olsen Hall of Shibuya Culture Village, the lights were on and the atmosphere was warm.

The closing ceremony and awards ceremony of the 11th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held here.

Wang Sheng, dressed in a well-fitting dark suit, walked onto the red carpet alongside Huo Jianqi, Shi Dongming, and several core members of the "Postmen in the Mountains" crew, all of whom were dressed in formal attire.

Compared to the tension during the negotiations a few days ago, Huo Jianqi now had an uncontrollable mix of excitement and nervousness on his face, his eyes constantly scanning the star-studded crowd and the flashing camera lights around him.

Wang Sheng appeared much more composed, with a smile on his face and a steady gait, occasionally nodding to domestic media reporters who recognized him.

His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on a familiar figure on the judges' panel—Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing.

As one of the jury members at this year's film festival, she was talking quietly with other international jury members.

Wang Sheng's heart stirred slightly.

This is part of the plan.

Upon entering the lobby, we found our seats and took our places as part of the "Postmen in the Mountains" crew.

The air was filled with the scents of perfume, anticipation, and a subtle hint of competition.

Huo Jianqi clasped his hands tightly on his knees, his knuckles turning slightly white.

Shi Dongming kept adjusting his tie, trying to ease his inner anxiety.

Selling the Asian distribution rights for $11 million was already a shot in the arm, but winning a major award at a film festival would be a completely different story—it would be the highest affirmation of the film's artistic value and a crucial move for Wang Shengye.

The awards ceremony proceeded smoothly, with awards being presented to various recipients.

Best Artistic Contribution Award, Best Director Award... Every time Huo Jianqi read out a name unrelated to "Postmen in the Mountains," his heart sank a little further.

Wang Sheng remained calm throughout, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed Chinese with Shi Dongming beside him, the content being nothing more than "stay calm" and "not there yet".

Finally, we arrived at the most anticipated award—Best Film (Tokyo Grand Prix).

The award presenter was Seijun Suzuki, a Japanese national treasure-level director. He slowly walked onto the stage and opened the envelope in his hand.

The entire room fell silent instantly, and all the cameras were pointed at him.

Huo Jianqi almost held his breath.

Wang Sheng leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Suzuki Seijun's lips.

Seijun Suzuki glanced at the envelope, then read out the name of the winning film in clear Japanese:

"The 11th Tokyo International Film Festival, Best Film, Tokyo Grand Prize awarded to—"

He paused, as if confirming his pronunciation, then announced loudly: "Postmen in the Mountains, China! Congratulations!"

"boom--!"

Overwhelmed by immense joy and an unbelievable sense of shock, Huo Jianqi was instantly overwhelmed.

He jumped up from his seat, covered his face with his hands, his shoulders trembled violently, and tears welled up in his eyes almost instantly.

The crew members around him jumped up and burst into uncontrollable cheers.

"Old Wang! President Wang! We...we won! Best Film!" Huo Jianqi turned around abruptly, so excited that he was incoherent. He didn't care about the occasion or etiquette and hugged Wang Sheng tightly, patting his back forcefully.

Wang Sheng was jolted by his hug, and finally a genuine, joyful smile appeared on his face.

He patted Huo Jianqi on the back, his voice steady yet filled with undisguised satisfaction: "Old Huo, what did I tell you? This is what you deserve! You made a great film!"

The spotlight instantly shone on them, and the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Many international filmmakers may not have been very familiar with this Chinese film, but the prestige of the Tokyo Grand Prix was enough to draw their admiration and curiosity.

Wang Sheng released Huo Jianqi, gesturing for him to go on stage to receive the award.

Huo Jianqi then seemed to wake from a dream, hastily wiped away his tears, and surrounded by Shi Dongming and other crew members, walked towards the stage with somewhat unsteady yet incredibly firm steps.

Huo Jianqi's hands were still trembling slightly as he received the heavy trophy from Suzuki Seijun. Standing in front of the microphone, looking at the dark mass of people and the flashing lights below the stage, he choked up several times with excitement.

"Thank you... thank you Tokyo International Film Festival... thank you to the judges..." He began in heavily accented Chinese, then switched to stammering English and repeated, "Thank you to the organizing committee, thank you to everyone who likes this film... I want to thank my family, thank you to Beijing Film Studio, thank you to Director Han Sanping... and especially thank you to General Manager Wang Sheng of Shengying Media!"

His gaze fell on Wang Sheng in the audience, filled with gratitude: "Without his support, his vision, and his... his courage, this film wouldn't be where it is today! This film tells the story of China's mountains and its people, but I think the emotions it expresses are universal... Thank you everyone!"

His acceptance speech was simple and sincere, and once again won enthusiastic applause.

Wang Sheng thought to himself: With this award, Lao Han should be able to try again.

……

The news spread faster than expected.

Less than two hours after the closing ceremony on the evening of November 8th, Tokyo time, Han Sanping, the director of the Beijing Film Studio, received an international long-distance call from Tokyo at his home.

"Uncle Han, we won! The Tokyo Grand Prix, Best Film!"

Wang Sheng's voice came through the telephone line.

"What?! Really?! That's great!!"

Han Sanping suddenly stood up from the sofa, his voice rising abruptly, startling Han Jianu who was next to him.

……

Some well-informed domestic media outlets have already obtained this major news through their correspondents in Japan or other channels.

Tuesday, November 10th.

Professional media outlets such as China Film News and Wenyi Bao were among the first to send out brief news reports, reporting in a "breaking news" format that "the Chinese film 'Postmen in the Mountains' won Best Film at the 11th Tokyo International Film Festival."

By Wednesday, November 11th, more national media outlets had joined the coverage.

The China Youth Daily published an in-depth report in its culture section, filed from Beijing by special correspondent Zhang Jianwei, with a rather sensational title: "Mountains, People and Dogs Conquer Tokyo: Chinese Cinema Runs Deep in Still Waters."

The article provides a detailed account of the creative process of "Postmen in the Mountains," emphasizing its pure artistic pursuit and profound humanistic concern. It hailes the award as "another major breakthrough for Chinese art films on the international stage." Naturally, the article also praises producer Wang Sheng for his "discerning eye" and "strong support."

Guangming Daily published a commentary that affirmed the success of "Postmen in the Mountains" from the perspective of film art and national cultural confidence, believing that it "uses the most Chinese images to tell the most human emotions" and is a model case of "cultural going global".

Metropolitan newspapers such as the Beijing Evening News and Yangcheng Evening News used large headlines: "Tokyo Wins! 'Postmen in the Mountains' Wins International Film Festival!" "The Scenery of Western Hunan Takes Center Stage, Director Huo Jianqi of Beijing Film Studio Triumphs in Tokyo!"

The report also included photos of Huo Jianqi excitedly embracing Wang Sheng at the awards ceremony, as well as stills of the picturesque scenery of western Hunan from the film.

Radio and television news programs also reported this news.

Keywords such as "Tokyo International Film Festival", "Postmen in the Mountains", "Huo Jianqi", and "Wang Sheng" quickly spread throughout the country via radio waves and television screens within just two or three days.

The domestic film industry was completely shaken.

Some veteran filmmakers who previously criticized Wang Sheng for organizing a "TV movie alliance" and engaging in large-scale commercial operations are now forced to re-evaluate this young man.

He can successfully produce commercial comedies like "30 Days" and also support art films like "Postmen in the Mountains" to win international awards. His ability and vision to cross genres and balance commercial and artistic aspects are amazing and awe-inspiring.

After seeing the newspaper, Zhu Yongde of Shanghai Film Studio remained silent for a long time before finally sighing to his assistant, "Han Sanping has really struck gold... no, our entire Chinese film industry should be grateful for such a 'troublemaker'."

(End of this chapter)