Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

As Wang Xuan emerged from the registration area, he noticed that the area around the cinema was covered with dense movie posters.

Films from various countries, in different languages, and of different skin colors can all be found here.

The organizers will help promote the films that are shortlisted for the main competition; some films that are purely for selling film rights will need to rely on renting exhibition halls for screenings to attract distributors.

"Let's also make a standee and put it in the exhibition hall."

Since it was Wang Xuan's first time here, he was not well prepared and had not prepared any promotional brochures for the movie in advance.

"The films that are nominated for the main competition will be shown in a separate exhibition hall. Let's try to find out which hall [Buried] is in."

Lu Yang had clearly done his homework beforehand, and the advantage of having a highly experienced teacher was evident at this moment.

Otherwise, you'll end up like Wang Xuan, just a headless fly.

We've learned our lesson this time; we need to prepare well in advance for future film festivals.

The two inquired with official staff and obtained the official preparation manual, which detailed the schedule of various activities during the film festival, including the screening arrangements for the main competition films.

Wang Xuan saw the premiere schedule for "Buried Alive": ten screenings over three consecutive days starting the day after the opening ceremony.

"We're treated quite well; many nominated films only get five or six screenings."

Lu Yang craned his neck and noticed the treatment the movie received.

Does the number of matches represent the level of importance the authorities attach to the event?

"Pretty much. At least the judging panel gave it a good review, which is why the officials made that arrangement."

Lu Yang's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, and the attention he received regarding the phrase "buried alive" was drawn to the topic.

Despite the official attention, Wang Xuan still had some promotional brochures for "Buried Alive" made to promote the movie in advance.

The final box office performance of the film is unknown, but it should at least fetch a good price.

The promotional sign for "Buried Alive" immediately attracted the attention of many filmmakers when it was placed in the lobby.

Against a pure black backdrop, only the faint glow of a lighter outlined Wang Xuan's face inside the coffin.

The poster evokes a suffocating sense of despair.

There are 24 films in the main competition, which were immediately noted by the film distributors the moment they were announced.

Many film distributors gathered around to inquire about the price, and quite a few of them showed interest.

"Wang, when would be a convenient time to discuss film copyrights?"

Wang Xuan is not only the lead actor but also the sole producer, so naturally, copyright issues should be discussed with him.

"It's too early to talk about this now. You're welcome to come back after the closing ceremony," Wang Xuan said with a smile.

This was something he and Lu Yang had agreed upon.

Selling it now might yield a profit, but if the film wins an award, the price will multiply several times.

"Young producers, you need to think this through. If the film flops, the price won't be what it is now," said a North American film distributor.

Wang Xuan shrugged: "I've thought it through. If you want to sell, wait until the closing ceremony."

After dealing with the film distributors who came up to ask about prices, Wang Xuan finally relaxed, feeling like he was setting up a stall on the street.

This reminded him of some veteran directors in China, who see film art as something unattainable but ultimately just a business.

···

As the opening ceremony approaches, film crews and filmmakers from all over the world are arriving in Berlin every day.

Representatives from China Film Group also arrived. Holding the sole import rights in China, the government treated such a major client very well.

Also arriving were members of state media from China, and Wang Xuan also saw staff from internet media outlets.

Several major domestic blogs were engaged in a heated battle, all vying for firsthand information about the film festival, and all sent reporters to cover it.

Wang Xuan and Lu Yang, as "dark horses," were unexpectedly shortlisted for the Berlin Film Festival, naturally becoming the focus of media attention.

They were surrounded by people from Sina Entertainment: "Director Lu, Wang Xuan, we are reporters from Sina Blog. Would you be willing to give us an interview?"

Since media interviews were unavoidable during the film festival, I simply agreed.

"I'd like to ask Wang Xuan, how did you manage to write such a thriller script at such a young age?"

The movie's information has already been published on the official website, and it's fair to say it's a thriller.

Wang Xuan thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "We Chinese people usually bury our dead in the ground, and coincidentally, there is a wave of 'runmei' (Americanization) and immigration in China right now."

I was thinking, what's the difference between someone who abandons their roots and someone who's dead? That's why I made this movie.

The reporter looked at Wang Xuan in surprise, not expecting him to be so outspoken. She knew that studying abroad and immigrating had become popular in China for a long time, and the majority of these students came from highly educated families.

Saying such things at this time is tantamount to offending most of the domestic elite group.

In their minds, whether it's studying abroad or immigrating, it's about enjoying the higher education, medical care, and retirement benefits of developed countries.

Wang Xuan's words sounded as if he couldn't stand to see them doing well.

"So your original intention in creating the script was to satirize those who want to go abroad, not to indirectly express resentment towards the rich, right?"

Wang Xuan glanced at the reporter girl; she seemed harmless, but the questions she asked were quite leading.

He shook his head: "I'm referring to those who fantasize about foreign countries as their spiritual homeland. I want to say that the air abroad isn't sweet, and what socialism can't achieve, they want to achieve in capitalist countries. How ridiculous is that idea?"

Wang Xuan couldn't generalize and condemn everyone; many people learned the skills and risked their lives to return and contribute to the country's development.

However, there are exceptions, such as those top students cultivated by universities. They enjoy various benefits in China, receive full scholarships, and have their overseas studies funded by the country. Yet, as soon as they get off the plane, they tear up their passports, wishing they could immediately sever ties with their motherland. How hateful are such people!

The reporter narrowed her eyes, thinking that Wang Xuan, young and impulsive, would jump into the trap and get a big news story.

I've already thought of a title: Rising star actor criticizes high-income groups such as those who study abroad or immigrate.

Wang Xuan's answer was highly targeted, specifically addressing certain groups, but it was enough to spark heated discussion.

Lu Yang's interview was fairly standard. He especially thanked Wang Xuan for writing such a good script and for fully investing in him to direct the film.

He was very humble and simply expressed his gratitude.

The interview content was quickly transmitted back to China and featured on the homepage of Sina Blog.

The content includes a brief introduction and poster for "Buried Alive".

"Wang Xuan, the screenwriter and lead actor of 'Buried Alive,' is currently a freshman at the Beijing Film Academy..."

Wang Xuan bluntly stated that those who receive higher education in China but are solely focused on immigrating are like rootless duckweed!

"The film 'Buried Alive' may be a true reflection of Runren's life."

"Director Lu Yang thanks Wang Xuan..."

···

Many filmmakers in China were curious about the title "Buried Alive," as it didn't meet the censorship standards and should generally not have been approved.

After reading the report, I realized that it was a scathing critique of Runren, so it's not surprising.

The emigration boom has resulted in a significant loss of talent.

If a relevant film mentions it, the official authorities might be happy to see it happen.

Wang Xuan's name came to the attention of a certain bigwig.

With ideas, sound thinking, and the courage to write and film, Chinese cinema should cultivate such promising talents.

The newly appointed chairman of China Film Group Corporation gave this evaluation after seeing Wang Xuan's interview.