Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 608 Locarno International Film Festival
There are many film festivals internationally, numbering around seven or eight hundred, but different festivals have different preferences for the films they produce. The Venice Film Festival favors avant-garde films, pursuing innovative artistic expressions or novel perspectives on content presentation, and does not focus on commercialization; it is often referred to as an "avant-garde tea party."

Some films that win awards at the Venice Film Festival have only grossed a few hundred thousand dollars worldwide.

The Cannes Film Festival leans towards a combination of art and commerce, and for directors who prioritize commercial success, commercial value is higher.

The Berlin Film Festival focuses on political films, hence its nickname "political correctional facility."

The Locarno Film Festival emphasizes art and innovation, and features films that break traditional narrative rules and offer diverse perspectives.

The Venice International Film Festival, the Locarno International Film Festival, and the Tokyo International Film Festival are Category A film festivals to be held in the second half of the year; the only other Category B festivals that can be attended are the Venice International Film Festival, the Locarno International Film Festival, and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

As for categories C and D, category C usually involves exhibitions without awards; category D consists of documentaries or short films, and "The Pilgrimage of One" does not qualify.

In Category B, only the Turin International Film Festival in Italy is relatively well-known; it is the second largest film festival in Italy after Venice. The others are not particularly famous.

Seeing that the group was hesitant, Jiao Huang said, "Why don't we all participate? That way, our chances of winning are higher."

Jiao Huang was pleased with his own cleverness, wanting everything, including this and that.

The three of them were stunned for a moment upon hearing Jiao Huang's words.

"What? Am I wrong?" Jiao Huang asked, puzzled.

Huang Zumo quickly explained, "Comrade Jiao Huang, you used to work in theater and you're also a director, so you don't understand the rules of international film festivals."

"Is there any difference?" Jiao Huang smiled sheepishly. He really didn't know much about international film festivals. The only film festival outside of mainland China that he had ever attended was the Hong Kong Film Awards.

He thought that international film festival awards were the same as the Hundred Flowers Awards or the Golden Rooster Awards in China, where as long as the film was good, you could win both awards.

“Most A-list international film festivals have premiere requirements. If a film premieres at one festival, it cannot be shown at another,” Huang Zumo explained earnestly.

Huang Zumo secretly regretted that he should have told Jiao Huang about this issue sooner; now he had made a mess of things.

Huang Zumo has been working closely with Jiao Huang recently, and he doesn't want to make Jiao Huang feel too awkward.

Jiao Huang chuckled dryly upon hearing this, using his hand to slightly conceal the embarrassment on his face: "I see, I see. My little bit of cleverness was wasted."

"It's alright, it's normal for Lao Jiao not to understand, after all, he's in the theater business," Liu Yimin said, easing Jiao Huang's embarrassment.

Wang Yang didn't speak, but continued to discuss which film festival they should apply to: "According to my prediction, we have the best chance of participating in the Tokyo International Film Festival."

“We can’t participate in the Tokyo Film Festival,” Liu Yimin immediately rejected Wang Yang’s suggestion.

"Why?" Wang Yang asked, seeing Liu Yimin's resolute attitude.

“If ‘Hachiko’ is going to participate in the Tokyo International Film Festival, and ‘The Pilgrimage of One Man’ is going to participate as well, wouldn’t that be like their own films fighting each other?” Liu Yimin said.

"Oh, I see. That's something I overlooked." The reason Wang Yang overlooked it was because the movie "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" was supported by the August First Film Studio, not his own Yan Film Studio.

People always want to see things from their own perspective.

"I think we should choose the Locarno International Film Festival. It emphasizes art and innovative expression, which is perfect for 'The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.' A letter leads to a journey of thousands of miles to find a friend. Isn't that an innovative expression? The Venice Film Festival focuses on avant-garde narrative expression, which is not suitable for 'The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.'"

There might be a chance of winning, but that depends on the strength of the competitors. Liu Yimin looked at Wang Yang and Huang Zumo, his eyes showing a questioning look.

Wang Yang and Huang Zumo exchanged a glance, both finding it difficult to make a decision.

Liu Yimin didn't urge him, but instead chatted with Jiao Huang for a few minutes, asking about his experience filming from Shanghai to Beijing.

Jiao Huang recounted the amusing anecdotes of the film crew traveling between cities to select locations and rushing between trains: "I have never seen China from this perspective before. In the past, the route from Shanghai to Beijing was always by train, where you could only see the scenery along the railway line and had no chance to experience the local customs and culture."

This was a redemption for the protagonist, and for me, it was a spiritual cleansing, allowing me to see our country from this perspective.

"Haha, Comrade Jiao, you have quite a few ideas!" Liu Yimin praised.

With a radiant smile, Jiao Huang said, "Guess what I did when we passed through Tianjin?"

"What have you been doing?"

"I specially went to buy genuine dog-natured Sachima. Comrade Yimin, wait for me a moment after I'm done here, I'll go to the dormitory to get it for you."

"Great, you didn't forget me when you got to Tianjin!"

But the real dog-shaped Sachima that Jiao Huang gave away, there must be no other meaning behind it, right?
The two chatted happily, almost forgetting that Wang Yang and Huang Zumo were still thinking beside them.

“I agree!” Wang Yang looked at Liu Yimin and finally made up his mind.

Huang Zumo said, "I agree. It's a film festival. If it doesn't work out, we can always participate in the future."

After the three reached an agreement, they quickly began preparing the relevant materials for the Locarno International Film Festival. Once the editor finished re-editing, they immediately sent the materials to the Film Bureau for review and submitted them for submission to the Locarno International Film Festival.

To participate in a film festival, you need to go through two levels of review. The first level is that the relevant department submits the application to the film festival. The second level is that each major film festival has a dedicated jury in different continents, and only after they approve the application can it be submitted to the festival.

If their application to the Locarno Film Festival is rejected, they still have time to turn to other film festivals.

As they left the screening room, Wang Yang subtly inquired about the script for "God's Visa," and Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang unconsciously slowed their pace upon hearing this.

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "Director Wang, it's been so long and there's still no word on who won 'God's Visa.' Don't you understand why?"

"Hahaha, I get it, I get it." Wang Yang stopped mentioning the script adaptation and instead brought up the matter of Liu Yimin taking Acheng as his student.

Wang Yang believes that A Cheng is a very capable screenwriter and hopes that Liu Yimin can recommend him to submit more works to Yan Film Studio in the future.

"Factory Manager Wang, that's up to you. I don't interfere much in their affairs."

Wang Yang saw Liu Yimin off at the main building of Yanying Film Studio and then stopped seeing him off. Huang Zumo suggested that he treat Liu Yimin to dinner, and Liu Yimin agreed, seeing that it was almost time.

"Director Huang, Comrade Yimin, wait for me a moment." Jiao Huang turned around and jogged towards the guesthouse. Jiao Huang was old, and his running looked a little comical.

Ten minutes later, Jiao Huang came out of the guesthouse carrying a large bag of Sachima, which was wrapped tightly in kraft paper and topped with a red paper, making it look very festive.

Huang Zumo pointed to the Sachima wrapped in kraft paper and said, "When Comrade Jiao Huang arrived in Tianjin, he went to find Sachima. The whole crew benefited from him and got to enjoy a lot of Tianjin's delicacies."

"Comrade Yimin, this is a sealed container with kraft paper inside, so it will definitely not spoil."

"Thank you, Lao Jiao. I was thinking of buying some Sachima when I pass through Tianjin on my way back from Qinhuangdao."

"Passing through Tianjin? How could the journey from Qinhuangdao to Yanjing pass through Tianjin?" Huang Zumo stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, doubting his own geographical knowledge.

Liu Yimin patted Huang Zumo on the shoulder: "It's like this, a few days ago the Shanxi Provincial Writers Association held an event, and on the way back the car overturned. Comrade Jiang Zilong was injured and returned to Tianjin, and wanted to visit him."

"Oh, about that?" Huang Zumo had read about it in the newspaper. He looked around and said in a low voice, "I heard it's because of Buddha."

"Old Huang, you're a Party member too, so don't talk nonsense about this kind of thing. What if it's the driver's fault? Someone with ulterior motives might just connect it to their actions in Wutai Mountain."

Huang Zumo chuckled awkwardly, "I was just saying it casually, this matter has been spread far too far."

At the restaurant, Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang had a few drinks, while Liu Yimin didn't drink because he had to drive.

After filming "The Pilgrimage of One Man", Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang's main job was to participate in film festivals. Apart from that, they did not have any other new scripts to prepare.

Liu Yimin told them to relax a bit; they'd been working on two films back-to-back for over a year, and it was time to unwind. They could return to their demanding work once they had a script.

After a few drinks, Huang Zumo excitedly inquired about the final international box office results for "Green Book." "The box office was $230 million, and the rights should sell for around $20 million."

"Thud!" The peanuts Jiao Huang was holding fell onto the table. "What? How many?"

"Wow, two hundred and three hundred million US dollars, my god, I wonder when domestic films will ever reach this level." Huang Zumo shook his head helplessly. How can they catch up with that?
"Old Huang, as long as you don't lose faith, you can catch up," Liu Yimin comforted him.

After finishing his meal, Liu Yimin drove to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, watched the rehearsal for about forty minutes, and then headed towards Cao Yu's office.

In the office, Cao Yu was discussing the script with editors He Jiping and Liu Jinyun. Upon seeing Liu Yimin, he enthusiastically called Liu Yimin over to help take a look.

This is Liu Jinyun's latest play, "The Man Who Carries the Stele," following "Dog's Rebirth," and it is also a script with a rural theme.

After flipping through a few pages, Liu Yimin said, "This play has been revised many times, hasn't it?"

Just as Liu Jinyun was about to speak, Cao Yu gestured for him to be quiet, then looked at Liu Yimin with a smile, his words carrying a strong sense of probing: "Tell me your opinion?"

"The dramatic conflict between the shepherds here is similar to the conflict techniques used in your play 'Thunderstorm'."

Cao Yu laughed and said, "That's right, I made the changes."

"Professor Liu, you have such a good eye!" He Jiping exclaimed. She was sitting here mainly to learn Liu Jinyun's performance techniques for rural-themed dramas.

Cao Yu then spoke a few more words to Liu Jinyun and He Jiping before letting them leave the office.

"How was your stay in Beidaihe?" Cao Yu asked cheerfully.

"It's not so bad to stay here for a long time, but the temperature is very comfortable. You should also go to Beidaihe for a visit. Anyway, the Beijing People's Art Theatre doesn't have much to do right now," Liu Yimin suggested.

After spending almost half a month in Beidaihe, the two little ones are getting a bit restless. They no longer clamor to go out, but instead run and play in the yard after waking up, occasionally going to the beach with their grandparents or maternal grandparents to see the sea.

Cao Yu said with a smile, "Let's skip it this year, maybe next year. Summer is almost over, have you read the newspaper I gave you?"

"I've seen them all."

"What do you think of the article in The Telegraph?"

"I see it quite clearly, but I didn't expect someone to react so quickly."

For the West, promoting themselves to the world is their prerogative.

"Is there any way?"

"There's nothing we can do right now. People can say whatever they want. We can only stand on the side of righteousness and political correctness, and try our best to win the support of the majority. In addition, we should use various channels to correctly explain our views."

It's possible to publish an article refuting these viewpoints, but that's risky. It's easy to end up fanning the flames and expanding the discussion. My suggestion is that since the *Telegraph* article won't have much impact, it's best to let it cool down for now.

Cao Yu thought for a few minutes, then waved his hand: "You can discuss the news matters with your comrades on the news front. Since you're here, there's something else I need to tell you. Márquez has confirmed his visit to China for September 30th, accompanied by about three or four Latin American writers."

A Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa, is planning to invite Gabriel García Márquez to visit Japan after his visit to China. This has already been discussed with the Writers' Association. I believe Márquez has received the relevant message.

"Akira Kurosawa is very famous in Japan and internationally, and his acting style is very similar to that of Márquez."

Liu Yimin did not return to Beidaihe that night, but instead spent a pleasant night alone with Zhu Lin in the courtyard house.

Experiencing a long-lost feeling of unbridled freedom, amidst the chirping of autumn insects in the dark night, Liu Yimin felt ten years younger.

The light rain pattering against the eaves in the middle of the night brought back memories of their first night together.

Opening the window, fresh air mixed with rain rushed in, and Zhu Lin exclaimed, "Autumn has arrived so quickly!"

"Go to sleep, you're still sweating, you'll easily catch a cold!" Liu Yimin reached down and gently grabbed a handful of sweat.

Zhu Lin snorted softly, then quickly slipped into bed. But instead of sleeping, she insisted on reminiscing with Liu Yimin about the past.

"Teacher Liu, how could you be so mean?" Zhu Lin said through gritted teeth upon hearing Liu Yimin's words, her right hand reaching for her waist.

"Haha, when we made that bet, I didn't use you as a wager. You misunderstood." Liu Yimin laughed and hugged Zhu Lin even tighter.

Zhu Lin whispered in Liu Yimin's ear, "No matter what, I'm willing!"

The next day, Liu Yimin went to visit Shi Tiesheng first. Yu Hua was playing cards with Shi Tiesheng and Shi Lan in the courtyard. When they saw Liu Yimin arrive, they quickly got up to welcome him.

Shi Tiesheng was in good condition and was not injured in the car accident.

Yu Hua said casually, "Tiesheng wasn't injured, all thanks to his two legs. When he fell off the wheelchair, he was shorter than others, so his falling luggage was blocked by others."

"Yu Hua, are you even speaking human language?" Shi Tie said angrily.

Yu Hua laughed and said, "What? If you're not convinced, shall we go to the soccer field and practice?"

"It's good that everything is alright. Please be careful during these kinds of activities in the future," Liu Yimin instructed.

"Professor Liu, you don't need to worry about Tiesheng. Did you read his article 'The God of Cars' published this year? Others become gods of cars by driving, but he becomes a god of cars even while in a wheelchair. I'm wondering, on the football field, could Tiesheng become the fastest striker with his wheelchair?"

Yu Hua's nonsensical ramblings amused Liu Yimin, who laughed and said, "Tiesheng can just be a goalkeeper. I can't play football, but if I could, I, Liu Yimin, would definitely lend a hand."

"It's alright, I'll teach you when I have time."

Yu Hua was originally scheduled to return at the end of July, but after hearing about Shi Tiesheng's accident, he stayed in Yanjing for a few days to take care of him. Seeing that Shi Tiesheng was alright, he was going back tomorrow.

"Yimin, do you have a friend who works in the cultural department of Shanxi Province?"

“Then it’s my old classmate from Yenching University.” Liu Yimin immediately understood who Shi Tiesheng was referring to.

"He asked me to give you his regards; he fondly remembers his time in Yenching."

"That kid, haven't seen him in ages." Liu Yimin wanted to curse, but ultimately it turned into a sigh. Chen Dazhi got married a couple of years ago. The cultural department in Shanxi Province was a relatively easy department. Although he had been promoted, he felt like he was living in a daze every day.

After saying goodbye to Shi Tiesheng and the others, Liu Yimin found a gas station, filled up his tank, and then drove directly towards Tianjin.

Upon arriving in Tianjin, Liu Yimin went straight to the Tianjin Writers Association. Seeing Jiang Zilong's appearance, Liu Yimin almost burst out laughing.

Jiang Zilong's arm was wrapped in bandages, and his face was bruised and swollen. Liu Yimin teased, "Hey, Comrade Zilong, haven't seen you in a while, you've gotten fat!"

"Yi Min?" Jiang Zilong hurriedly stood up, but the sudden movement aggravated his wound, causing him to groan, "Ouch!" "Why are you here?"

“I came to see you. When I got to the door, I heard the security guards talking about you. They said you were working despite your minor injury and illness, and that you are the biggest model worker in the Tianjin Writers Association this year.”

Jiang Zilong grinned and cursed, "Damn it! Old Zou just loves to gossip about people all day long. Do you think I've had the worst luck in my life? I just went out to participate in an event and ended up looking like this. What did I do to deserve this?"

Upon hearing Jiang Zilong's Tianjin dialect, Liu Yimin laughed again, "Wow, you Tianjin people really know how to tell jokes!"

Jiang Zilong poured Liu Yimin a cup of tea with one hand: "I was thinking of taking a break, but the Writers' Association has some activities going on recently, and I can't miss them. Fortunately, having an old friend like you come to see me has made my injuries much better."

Liu Yimin took a sip of tea and listened to Jiang Zilong recount what had happened at Mount Wutai. Hearing his words, Liu Yimin was speechless. A group of writers and editors could actually do such a thing! In the group going to Mount Wutai, one beautiful editor was practically a fairy from the 1980s.

“We told her not to turn back the Falun Gong, but she just pouted and insisted on doing it. If she were one of my soldiers, I would have fired her from the editorial department long ago.”

(End of this chapter)