Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 53: The interview shocked the world; Berlin premiere! (More to come, still writing.)

This year's Berlin Film Festival was somewhat lackluster; although 26 films were nominated, only 13 were truly vying for the Golden Bear.

In addition, its proximity to the Oscars and the freezing cold of early February make Berlin the most deserted of the three major European cities.

However, for Zhao Yanxi and Yang Siwei, even a quiet event is still more lively than a domestic film festival, since it is geared towards the international audience.

Furthermore, this was the first time the two of them had attended such an international film festival, and seeing all sorts of foreigners everywhere was quite a novel experience.

After checking into the hotel where the event was held, Zhao Yanxi took Paul and Ryan Reynolds to the organizing committee to sign in.

Along the way, there were movie posters and movie cards everywhere, all the way to the cinema, which is where the organizing committee registered.

On the registration desk, you can see a large stack of brochures introducing various movies.

As Paul signed the autographs, he chuckled smugly, "These are all films that weren't nominated."

"They have to figure it out themselves, rent venues and screen their own films. For films like ours that were shortlisted, the organizers arrange everything for us. See—"

'

After signing in, Paul also received the schedule information for "Buried" from the organizing committee.

"February 13th, Potsdamer Platz Cinema Palace, 2 PM!"

Berlin, or rather Germany, after the retreat of public intellectuals, was given a nicer name by the Chinese: "Little Northeast."

.

Berlin's most distinctive features are its various sausages, meats, and sauerkraut.

Paul found a local restaurant, and everyone had an authentic dinner. Zhao Yanxi's biggest impression was that there were so many sausages!

Besides the signature dish of braised pork knuckle with sauerkraut, which is similar to a stew of pork butchers, the rest are various sausages.

Whether others can get used to the food is unknown, but Zhao Yanxi and Yang Siwei seem to enjoy it quite a bit.

The latter, who can be called "Sister Fatty", is obviously a carnivore like Zhao Yanxi!

After dinner, no one made any plans. Tomorrow is the opening ceremony, so we need to be well-rested tonight.

Early the next morning, Zhao Yanxi and Ryan Reynolds began preparing for the opening ceremony.

Of course, this was purely because I was too excited to sleep; otherwise, it wouldn't have taken two grown men much time to get ready.

It was just a simple haircut. Zhao Yanxi and Ryan were dressed in two different suits, one pure black and the other pure blue. Unlike Ryan, Zhao Yanxi had a gold scarf in her jacket pocket as an embellishment.

In certain situations, the director still appears slightly more dignified than the actor.

Preparations for the opening ceremony began at 2 p.m.

The group boarded a limousine arranged by the organizing committee and headed to the cinema.

The three major European events are also highly anticipated by domestic media reporters. Reputable media outlets such as Sina, NetEase, and Liugongzhu send their reporter teams to cover the events.

Therefore, Zhao Yanxi doesn't need to worry about the red carpet being deserted.

As soon as the group stepped out of the limousine, Zhao Yanxi was filled with familiar Chinese voices.

"Director Zhao!"

"Director Yan Xi, look this way!"

"Director Zhao, what are your thoughts on being selected for this year's Berlin International Film Festival?"

Zhao Yanxi understood the reporters' thoughts. After walking the red carpet with Ryan, they accepted interviews from reporters around the world in a venue specially designated by the organizing committee.

"I am fortunate to have been selected by the organizing committee to be shortlisted for the main competition, and of course I hope to win an award."

"And Ryan's acting also deserves a Best Actor award, considering he slept in a coffin for so long~"

Director YanXi—

"7

This is a foreign journalist. White people all look pretty much the same, and Zhao Yanxi couldn't tell which country he was from.

"I heard that your film 'Buried' was filmed in less than two weeks? Is that true?"

"Of course not. To be precise, it took 15 days from the start of filming to the wrap-up, which is exactly two weeks plus one day. Thanks to Ryan, I worked overtime on the weekend without a day off~" Zhao Yanxi joked with a smile.

"Oh, director," Ryan said with a shy smile, "of course, you want the days lying in a coffin to pass as quickly as possible!"

""

"15 days?"

"God, that was fast!"

"Write it down quickly, this is big news! A film nominated for an award made in just 15 days!"

The media reporters were thrilled. They hadn't expected to actually uncover such big news that was unknown to the outside world. They even lost all interest in continuing the interview and just wanted to report the news as soon as possible.

After all, there's only one male lead, so there's really no need for an interview.

By the time Zhao Yanxi emerged from the opening ceremony venue, it was already evening. News about "Buried Alive" had already swept across the global film industry through reports from journalists worldwide.

[Information on "Buried" revealed for the 56th Berlin International Film Festival: Only Ryan Reynolds stars, filming took only 15 days!]

[Fifteen days, one person, one coffin, a masterpiece—Buried Alive!]

[Newcomer director Zhao Yanxi receives her first nomination at the Berlin Film Festival, aiming for a major award!]

When the news reached China, it was already late at night.

But night owls who stay up late still had a lot to discuss after seeing the news.

"15 days? 15 days isn't even enough time for a romance, and Director Zhao has already conquered Berlin?"

"Huh, is that how it's said? But Director Zhao always seems to be very fast; 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' only took a month to film..."

'

"Fifteen days, one person, one coffin," I'm starting to get a little interested in this film, *Buried Alive*.

"The Berlin Film Festival is showing horror movies now??"

When the news broke in the morning, the industry became even more abuzz.

"No wonder he went to make foreign films; this name probably wouldn't even pass censorship in the country!"

"You beast!"

Ning Hao gritted his teeth, realizing that "Green Grassland," which he had painstakingly produced and poured his entire fortune into, had only been nominated for the New Generation category.

Zhao Yanxi shot a film in 15 days as if it were just a hobby, and she actually hopes to win an award!

Is the difference between people really that great?

Lu Chuan became interested. What kind of good movie could be made in fifteen days?

Either the organizing committee is blind to the truth, or... Zhao Yanxi also plagiarized?!

Only plagiarized works that don't require much brainpower can be filmed so quickly!

Upon thinking of this, Lu Chuan immediately became excited.

I only regret that I was so focused on my creative work that I didn't go to Berlin to see it live, otherwise I would have exposed Zhao Yanxi's tricks immediately!

Amidst much discussion, "Buried" officially premiered on February 13th.

Given the premise of "a single person lying in a coffin for 15 days," coupled with the large number of media reporters and film critics invited by Paul, the number of viewers was quite substantial.

From the moment the film was released, the constant suspense, the rare acting style, the unique and fresh plot concept, and the eerie sense of impending death kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The male protagonist faces the constant threat of death but has no ability to break through the ground, and can only passively wait for rescue.

All the emotions were vividly displayed within the small space inside the coffin.

It is anti-war, yet it carries a sense of horror that makes it incredibly captivating.

"This movie... is pretty good!"

"I think it's okay to watch as a horror movie, so the box office should be pretty good."

"I want to buy it and try it out; there should be a market for it!"