Chapter 756 in Progress

Wu Yang was clearly somewhat tempted.

However, this is a big matter, and it cannot be decided in a short time, nor can it be decided by him alone.

Lu Yanhe didn't say much.

After Evan Gardy returned, they chatted about the current cohort and the movies before going their separate ways.

After Lu Yanhe got into the car, he immediately called Chen Ziyan and told her about it. Not only that, he also immediately called Luo Yuzhong, Wen Shengming and other senior figures who were very familiar with the senior management of the broadcasting company.

Chinese films have always talked about "going global" and "international influence".

The current situation of the Jose Film Festival is definitely an opportunity.

If we can bring the Jose Film Festival to China, even if we can't keep it in China forever, even if it's only for one year, it will be of great significance.

Just look at how the show "Singer" was granted the rare privilege of being broadcast live in prime time for every episode, which is an exception to the norm. This shows how much the higher-ups hope to promote the international influence of Chinese culture, given the current economic prosperity.

Each year, the so-called "international film festivals" held in China are considered very "international" if they can invite two or three international filmmakers, and they even get to be featured on the national news program.

If the Jose Film Festival were to be held in China, then—

Lu Yanhe suddenly remembered a time when Victoria's Secret held its annual event in Shanghai, China, and the Chinese media went on a "carnival" for a whole week.

This is an opportunity you can't miss.

-

As soon as Lu Yanhe's car arrived at the hotel, Chen Ziyan replied that Wen Shengming would be coming to Jose to attend the Jose Film Festival as a member of the China Film Association.

He came with some "instructions".

Everything is still in its early stages and should not be officially coordinated too early.

Now, Lu Yanhe needs to make some connections for Wen Shengming so that he has a legitimate reason to attend. After that, he needs to act as a go-between for Wen Shengming and Wu Yang.

What followed was naturally planned and executed by the Film Association and various other forces.

Seeing how quickly they reacted, Lu Yanhe breathed a sigh of relief.

His biggest fear was that the domestic response wouldn't be fast enough, that they would first conduct various studies, then various demonstrations, and then cautiously make contact, only to find that it was all too late by then.

Thank goodness.

Lu Yanhe immediately had "Dragon Inn" and "The Sea, My Pah" make invitations for Wen Shengming.

At the same time, Lu Yanhe also asked Wang Biao to book a venue at the last minute. He wanted to hold a party in Jose and introduce Wen Shengming to his friends here, including Wu Yang and Evan Gardy.

In Jose, during the Jose Film Festival, booking a venue on short notice is no easy task.

Wang Biao agreed without saying a word.

-

Since filming "Dingfeng No. 1", Lu Yanhe has not seen Wen Shengming again.

When Wen Shengming arrived in Jose with his wife, Lu Yanhe personally went to the airport to pick them up.

This scene was captured by the media on site. Chinese media recognized Wen Shengming, but foreign media did not.

Therefore, they could only ask familiar Chinese media outlets who the person Lu Yanhe personally came to pick up was.

Someone told them that he was one of the most prestigious actors in China and had just worked with Lu Yanhe on "Dingfeng No. 1".

For foreign media, regardless of whether Wen Shengming is the highest-ranking actor in China, they don't know him. His only value now is that "Lu Yanhe rarely personally picked him up at the airport."

As long as there's a main character that people are willing to pay attention to, and an event that can be used as a topic of conversation, that's enough for news.

Of course, even if they didn't report it, Lu Yanhe's side still arranged for people to report on the matter.

There's nothing else to it but to let the people at the Jose Film Festival know that Wen Shengming, a very outstanding Chinese actor, has arrived.

This is remarkable—now we need to use Lu Yanhe to "highlight" and "shape" him.

-

When Wen Shengming saw Lu Yanhe, he gave him a smile that was neither warm nor encouraging, but rather somewhat serious.

It could only be described as a smile.

However, Lu Yanhe knew Wen Shengming's personality and wouldn't misunderstand.

“Teacher Wen.” He stepped forward generously and gave Wen Shengming a hug.

Wen Shengming patted him on the shoulder and said, "Tell me the details later. I've heard this from who-knows-how-many different sources."

Lu Yanhe nodded with a smile.

He then looked at Yuan Zixing, who was standing next to Wen Shengming, and greeted her, "Teacher Yuan, thank you for accompanying Teacher Wen on this trip."

Yuan Zixing said with a smile, "What's so hard about it? It's a good opportunity to stroll around Jose."

Lu Yanhe picked them up and put them in the car, saying, "The luggage will be sent back to the hotel in another car first. How about we go and grab something to eat? I guess you didn't eat well on the plane. I'll also tell you about some things I've learned here."

Wen Shengming and Yuan Zixing both nodded.

-

After talking with Wu Yang, Lu Yanhe did not just relay the news back to China.

He also used his connections to learn more about the current situation of the Jose Film Festival.

This includes why the local government of Jose stopped funding the Jose Film Festival, and what the outside world's true thoughts and attitudes are regarding sponsoring the Jose Film Festival.

This information was relatively easy for Lu Yanhe to investigate.

The more information available, the easier it is for people in China to prepare.

When Wen Shengming learned that Shi Jin had already contacted the Jose Film Festival and made his demands, he was taken aback at first, and then said, "They've kept this news very well under wraps."

Lu Yanhe: "Has no one contacted you from Shijin's side?"

Wen Shengming: "No, but before you contacted us, the Jose Film Festival was only looking for new sponsors. For Shijin, if this news were to leak out widely, it might create more competitors for them."

“Yes.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “There must be quite a few Chinese companies willing to sponsor the Jose Film Festival.”

“Yes, of the four major international film festivals, the one with the most connections to Chinese-language films is the Jose Film Festival,” Wen Shengming said. “Your timing in seizing this opportunity to propose that the Jose Film Festival be moved to a different location is excellent. Now is also the time for China to expand its influence internationally. If we can really bring the Jose Film Festival to China, it will be a powerful signal.”

Lu Yanhe nodded.

“However, I don’t think this is so easy. But it’s a fact that Jose can’t provide funding support.” Lu Yanhe said bluntly, “The government is in deficit and short of funds. They wanted to stop supporting the Jose Film Festival a few years ago, but they’ve kept it going only because the festival is Jose’s signature. But now their new department head has decided to cut this expenditure.”

“Yes.” Wen Shengming nodded. “I’ll also tell you something, you just need to know it in your heart. Even if we can’t get the Jose Film Festival to be held in China, we hope to become a sponsor behind the Jose Film Festival.”

Lu Yanhe was not surprised by Wen Shengming's statement.

If we cannot take it all at once, we should proceed gradually.

That's how it should be.

Wen Shengming asked curiously, "Will you continue to hold the third International Film Critics Festival this year?"

“Yes.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “We plan to hold it long-term. The response has been very good. It’s not a heavy burden for us. Right now, we can cover our expenses just from the film festival’s advertising sponsorships, tickets for the dialogue events, and live streaming revenue.”

“That’s good.” Wen Shengming looked at Lu Yanhe with encouraging eyes. “You should know that our film association has always paid close attention to and valued the film festival you’re organizing. However, we don’t want any other factors to affect the organization of your film festival. Therefore, we have never intervened in an official capacity, nor have we allowed other organizations or individuals to intervene. It’s not that we don’t care.”

Lu Yanhe nodded.

"I understand, Teacher Wen."

The process of getting approval from relevant departments, inviting and arranging entry for relevant personnel, and managing the location, coordination, and all aspects of the operation would not have been possible without support and encouragement from higher authorities.

They've held this event twice now, and it's the third time, yet no department has tried to profit from it, and no one else has approached them wanting to get involved. This is definitely because someone is shielding them from pressure.

Wen Shengming said, "It's not easy for someone like you to emerge in China's film and television industry. There are many things you can do that we can't. Many people support you but not us. Just know that you should boldly do what you want to do. There are many, many people watching and supporting you behind you, so don't be afraid."

Lu Yanhe was surprised that Wen Shengming would suddenly say such a thing.

He was stunned.

He suddenly remembered the day when filming of "Dingfeng No. 1" wrapped up, when Wen Shengming told him, "Yan He, act well and be a good person. I will always be watching you."

So, is there actually another layer of meaning behind this?

Lu Yanhe always thought that what Wen Shengming said was nothing more than an elder taking care of and helping a younger person.

"I will try my best," Lu Yanhe said, concealing his emotions.

Yuan Zixing then smiled and said, "He likes you more than just a little. Do you know why he took on the role in 'The Wind Rises'?"

Lu Yanhe was taken aback.

Yuan Zixing smiled but remained silent.

The answer is self-evident.

Wen Shengming: "I have had dinner with the leaders of Beijing Arts University many times. They all regret that you were admitted to Zhenhua University. Otherwise, you would definitely be an honorary alumnus of Beijing Arts University."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated.

"They're all the same."

“Indeed, it’s all the same.” Wen Shengming nodded. “We know and understand everything you’ve done. You’re thinking of the entire Chinese film and television industry, giving your own people a push whenever an opportunity arises. Do you know what a leader said before I came here?”

Lu Yanhe shook his head.

He didn't even know which leader it was, let alone what that leader had said.

He said, "We were right about you."

Lu Yanhe was taken aback and didn't know what to say, so he could only lower his head and scratch the back of his head.

-

A day later, the film "Pah! The Sea" was screened first.

For all the new lead actors in "The Sea, Oh My God," including those with more than ten minutes of screen time, Linghe will provide transportation and accommodation for anyone who has time to come, so that everyone can participate.

For the cast of "Pah! The Sea," this was almost the first time for all of them to participate in a top international film festival as actors, a very precious opportunity—especially since they were all relatively new to the industry.

Therefore, even though Linghe would have to spend hundreds of thousands more, Lu Yanhe still felt that the money was worth it.

This is a film produced by Ling He, and these actors are his collaborators.

If that's the case, then it's worth it.

As usual, Lu Yanhe invited some of his friends to watch the film, including the director and producers he had met at the dinner hosted by Evan Gardy that day.

He did not attend the event with the cast of "The Sea, My Pfft," but instead walked the red carpet with Wen Shengming and Yuan Zixing.

If the airport pickup was a private gesture, this time, Lu Yanhe personally accompanied Wen Shengming, and together with Yuan Zixing, pushed Wen Shengming to the center position, directly showing his respect for Wen Shengming in public.

After the screening of "The Sea, My Pfft" ended, Lu Yanhe posted a status on various platforms, saying that he was very happy to watch the film produced by Wen Shengming, an actor he respected.

The media and audience reviews for "Pah! The Sea" came out quickly, and as the first film of a new director, it received a lot of praise.

People are always tolerant of newcomers' first works; even criticism will point out some good or likable aspects.

Lu Yanhe, as the producer, attended the media Q&A session.

After all, he was the only big star in this movie who was recognized by everyone.

When asked why he was willing to produce such a new work by a newcomer, Lu Yanhe said, "Because the script is interesting, there are many things that I find fresh. Even if it is not perfect, it is definitely worth making. So, after talking with the people in the company, we felt that we could produce this movie."

Someone else asked, "Your production company seems to be supporting new directors, and it looks like there are several more films by new directors coming out?"

"No, it's mainly because Linghe has limited funds and a small scale, so we can only support some low-budget films," Lu Yanhe said with a smile. "Under such circumstances, our choices are basically limited to the group of new directors. But that's also good. If we can help a new director make his first film and let him get known in the film industry, that's a good thing too."

"Don't you see yourself as a benefactor to these new directors?"

“I think people should have self-awareness,” Lu Yanhe replied jokingly. “I like talented directors and interesting scripts, but I’m not doing charity. I’m not going to give a director a sum of money and say, ‘Go ahead and make the film, do whatever you want, it’s okay if you lose money.’ I still hope they don’t lose money, and that they can make a little bit. So, well, that’s a bit far-fetched.”

-

Unexpectedly, at this very moment, Huang Tai from Longyan also gave an interview to another domestic media outlet, discussing the selection of the film "Dragon Inn" for the Jose Film Festival. All three films that Longyan collaborated on with director Liu Bige have now been selected for top international film festivals.

As one of the most outstanding directors cultivated by Longyan in recent years, what are Huang Tai's plans for her upcoming collaboration with Liu Bige?

After saying some superficial things, Huang Tai finally said, "Actually, there are many talented young directors like Liu Bige. Longyan has been consciously giving these directors opportunities and promoting them. I believe that since Longyan can cultivate one Liu Bige, it can cultivate ten or even a hundred Liu Biges."

As a result, the two people's statements were reported almost one after the other.

These remarks immediately caused a stir in the domestic media circle.

If these two statements hadn't been released at almost the same time, it wouldn't have been so bad. The key issue is the contrast—

Huang Tai's remarks were ridiculed by many film and television bloggers.

However, this is also related to people's preference for creative directors and auteur directors.

If Liu Bige were a major commercial film director, Huang Tai could say she could train dozens more without such controversy.

But for film enthusiasts, Liu Bige is one of a kind.

This kind of "copying" discussion will undoubtedly make this group of people very unhappy.

Then, Huang Tai's social media comment section suddenly exploded with the same phrase, like a locust swarm passing through.

"That's a bit far-fetched."

This is from Lu Yanhe's last sentence in response to a reporter's question.

-

Lu Yanhe never expected that his words would cause such a huge controversy, compared to what Huang Tai had said.

Liu Bige, the person involved, was completely bewildered.

Huang Tai immediately found Liu Bige and explained to him that she didn't mean it that way.

“What I’m trying to say is that since we can support a young director like you, we can certainly support many more young directors.” Huang Tai looked helpless, as if her thoughts had been completely misunderstood, and patiently explained to Liu Bige, “How could I not know that a director like you is one in a century?”

Liu Bige immediately said, "Please don't say that."

A subconscious reaction.

But what can we really say?

Liu Bige was also helpless.

Just before the premiere of "Dragon Inn", this unpleasant thing suddenly happened.

To say that he didn't care about or take Huang Tai's words to heart would be a lie.

But, can I say that?

Even if we say it, what's the point?

Liu Bige had to pull himself together and reassure Mrs. Huang, saying that he understood her meaning and wouldn't take it to heart. He also said that the most important thing right now was the premiere of "Dragon Inn" and that she shouldn't let this affect her mood.

Liu Bige finally breathed a sigh of relief after managing to calm Huang Tai down.

-

When Lu Yanhe learned about this, he immediately sent a message to Liu Bige to ask if he was alright.

Liu Bige: That's fine.

Lu Yanhe: It seems I've said too much and caused you some trouble.

Liu Bige: Good to know, that's true.

Lu Yanhe: Huang Tai apologized to you?

Liu Bige: I came to explain, but it would have been better if I hadn't come at all. I had to go back and soothe her emotions.

Lu Yanhe: The premiere of "Dragon Inn" is coming up soon, so let's not think about this for now.

Liu Bige: Let's talk about it when we get back. You're right, let's get the premiere of "Dragon Inn" organized first.

Lu Yanhe: Okay, see you later.

Lu Yanhe: By the way, you have to come to the banquet tomorrow night. We need you to keep things in order.

Liu Bige: I remember.

(End of this chapter)