Chapter 309 I Love Listening to Ghosts Sing Poems at Autumn Graves (10,000-word update!)
For overseas journalists, Wang Zhong was the only well-known filmmaker in the "Three Mountains" crew.
The other actors were all newcomers; I didn't recognize them.
At most, they might know a little about Lu Yanhe while researching, that he's a very famous celebrity in China. But that's irrelevant to them. Not many people overseas know Lu Yanhe either.
There weren't many people who originally planned to attend the press conference for "Three Mountains," but after watching the movie, many of those who were planning to leave came over.
Media reporters may not be as knowledgeable about masterpieces in film history as professional film critics, nor can they quickly give a detailed account of a work. However, they are people who frequently attend film festivals. After watching a film, they have a good idea of whether it is good or bad, controversial or forgotten.
When the news of the film "Three Mountains" being nominated for the main competition was first released, it went quietly and did not attract much attention; it was not a hot film.
Aside from Chinese media being somewhat excited because it was the only Chinese-language film nominated, it was practically a benchwarmer for foreign media.
Although director Wang Zhong is famous and his personal style is unique in the world film industry, he still falls short of being a "master" or "famous director".
Many film critics say that he was burdened by his favorite eerie and mysterious style, which was both his strength and his weakness. The first time you see it, it's amazing, but after seeing it many times, it's just so-so. After watching it, it's like having a meaningless dream.
No one expected that this time, he would bring "Three Mountains".
Will this movie become a classic?
They dare not say that.
However, there is no doubt that this movie will be a hot topic, judging from the audience's reaction at the premiere.
Moreover, it may be the most anticipated film Wang has ever made.
-
There are nearly 70 media outlets present today, with a total of about 90 reporters.
The venue was very crowded.
The fact that such a grand event was held at the press conference is strong evidence of the film's popularity.
Director Wang Zhong first shared his thoughts on making this film.
When the reporters were allowed to raise their hands to ask questions, many people in the audience raised their hands.
A journalist from Japan, Nagayama Kawazo, was given the first opportunity to ask a question.
Lu Yanhe was somewhat surprised to find that when Yong Shanhe stood up, Wang Zhong and Chen Ling both looked rather unpleasant.
"Director Wang Zhong, it's been a long time since I've seen you. I'm especially happy to see that you've made another new film. In the past, many film critics have commented that your films are hampered by your style, saying that every film you make has a kind of eerie ghost movie feel to it. This time, it seems that you have pushed this style to the extreme. I wonder what your thinking is?"
After the translator translated his question into English, the entire room erupted in an uproar.
Film critics have always held a mixed opinion of Wang Zhong's films, making him a controversial director. The questions raised by Yongshan Hesan essentially voiced the opinions of critics who dislike Wang Zhong's style directly to him. In short, it was a direct and forceful statement.
Lu Yanhe glanced at the Japanese reporter with some surprise. The latter was not young, nor was he the kind of inexperienced young man who had just entered the industry. In fact, any reporter who was assigned here had fought hard within their own media outlet to get this opportunity. No media outlet would send a rookie to a film festival of this caliber.
Yongshan Hesan's face was full of sincerity, as if he was earnestly waiting for Wang Zhong's answer.
Wang Zhong pondered for a moment before answering, "I have my own creative preferences and style. After all, everyone sees the world differently, based on their own life experiences or aesthetic preferences. As a film director, the style of a film is not something I subjectively want to define, but rather based on my own judgment. It should be filmed this way, and only by filming it this way can I create what I want."
Yongshan Hesan immediately pressed on with a question: "Do you mean that in your eyes, the world is a world full of disasters, terror, and violent death?"
He spoke very quickly, and by the time he was almost finished, the host only had time to say, "Sorry, due to time constraints, each reporter can only ask one question."
Yongshanhe nodded. "I'm sorry, but if it's inconvenient for Director Wang Zhong to answer, that's fine."
After he finished speaking, he sat down.
The translator translated his words verbatim.
Lu Yanhe was almost certain that this person harbored malice and prejudice towards Director Wang Zhong and had deliberately said those words.
He turned to look at Director Wang Zhong.
Wang Zhong's expression was also somewhat unpleasant. He seemed to want to say something, but was mindful of something and remained silent for several seconds.
Lu Yanhe was unsure whether he needed to help Director Wang Chong out of this predicament.
He was afraid that it would be inappropriate for him to speak rashly.
At this moment, producer Chen Ling suddenly looked at Lu Yanhe and said, "The reporter just said that because the director's film has the eerie feeling of a ghost movie, the world in the director's eyes is full of disasters and violent deaths. Yanhe, although your collaboration with the director this time was short, your performance has received a lot of praise. I wonder what your opinion is on this issue?"
Lu Yanhe was surprised that Chen Ling would suddenly throw the question at him in front of everyone.
But he immediately saw a hint of "plea" and "pleading" in Chen Ling's eyes.
This is to ask him for help.
Chen Ling knew how sharp Lu Yanhe's tongue was, which is why he spoke up at this particular moment.
Lu Yanhe smiled and looked at the reporters below the stage.
"I had no idea my performance received so much praise." Even after saying that, she felt a pang of hypocrisy, but she still smiled and looked at the audience, asking, "Did I really act well?"
The reporters looked at him blankly.
Why isn't there any reaction?
The reactions of the reporters in the audience completely baffled Lu Yanhe.
Don't they think so?
But they didn't seem unresponsive; rather, they seemed to have no idea who he was.
Wait, did none of them recognize what role he played in the movie?
"In the movie, I play the fortune teller who tells the fortunes of these people in the mountain temple."
Lu Yanhe said this in English, pointing at Chen Jiang and the others with a smile on his face.
The media reporters in the audience suddenly erupted in cheers, their faces displaying a variety of expressions. Some began to applaud, while others shouted in a language that Lu Yanhe couldn't understand. But Lu Yanhe could tell that everyone was encouraging and praising him.
"Thank you!" Lu Yanhe said with a smile.
He appeared calm on the surface, but deep down he was relieved.
He was genuinely afraid that they hadn't failed to recognize him, but simply didn't want to show their support.
"This is my first time acting in a movie, so I'm a little nervous. I don't know if my performance is really as good as they say."
Immediately someone said in English, "You are very good!"
"Thank you, thank you!"
Lu Yanhe's words eased the awkwardness in the room, adding a touch of liveliness and joy.
-
domestic.
Xin Zixing, who was watching the live broadcast of the media conference, was obviously aware of the conflict between Director Wang Zhong and Yong Shanhe San. She said to the person next to her angrily, "Ever since Director Wang Zhong scolded him seven years ago, Yong Shanhe San has held a grudge against him. Whenever he runs into Director Wang Zhong, he tries to make things difficult for him."
This is a live broadcast event from Yemai.com.
Xin Zixing and several other guests sat together watching the live broadcast of the media conference for "Three Mountains" and made real-time comments.
Another guest, Chen Bing, who has become famous in recent years for his stand-up comedy performances, immediately asked: "Why was Yongshanhe San scolded by Wang Zhong?"
“When director Wang Chong’s film ‘Retention’ was released in Japan, he went there to promote it. Nagayama Kazuzo, who was interviewing the actress at the time, was very rude to her because she had some nude scenes in the film. Nagayama Kazuzo asked her if she was worried her partner would mind such a sacrifice she made for fame. The actress was already struggling to defend herself, but Nagayama Kazuzo kept pressing her, saying things like how traditional Chinese culture is very restrictive about women’s image in this regard, and whether she felt her sacrifice was worth it,” Xin Zixing said. “Director Wang Chong just slammed down the microphone and started yelling at her. In my opinion, Nagayama Kazuzo deserved it; he didn’t respect the director or the actress.”
"Damn it—" Chen Bing gasped, reminding herself that this was a live broadcast, "Damn it."
Xin Zixing had a sullen face.
Song Jiang, a contracted host for Yemai.com, said, "He maliciously interpreted Director Wang's words, causing others to have a negative impression of Director Wang. That's vicious."
Chen Bing: "I don't know if Yan He can salvage the atmosphere. Sigh."
Xin Zixing did not speak.
At this moment, she didn't want to flatter him to the point of ruining his chances by saying "Yan He can definitely do it."
What if Yan He fails to do so?
Once the atmosphere at the scene had warmed up a bit, Lu Yanhe returned to the question Chen Ling had asked earlier.
"I don't know if everyone knows, but in ancient China, there was a very famous writer named Pu Songling. He wrote a book called 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio'." Lu Yanhe smiled slightly. "This book is full of stories about gods, demons, and ghosts. Almost every Chinese person grew up listening to the stories in this book."
"During the Qing Dynasty, a man named Wang Shizhen wrote a sentence to evaluate this book."
"They must be tired of speaking human language and prefer to hear ghosts singing poems in autumn graves."
At this point, Lu Yanhe first recited the poem in Chinese before translating it into plain language—
I don't like listening to people talk about worldly things like fame and fortune, or the pursuit of worldly success. I prefer to hear the dead ghosts in the graveyard tell me their innermost thoughts.
"This is my own translation, and it's not entirely accurate, but it's my own understanding of the poem."
Lu Yanhe smiled gently. His tone was mild yet powerful, with a rhythmic quality that suggested he was speaking slowly.
"I wonder if everyone can understand this feeling? We live in this world, and sometimes we can't help but feel a little disgusted with the world we live in, just like the British writer Somerset Maugham's 'The Moon and Sixpence,' 'There were sixpences all over the ground, but he looked up and saw the moon.' I will always remember this sentence."
Everyone in the room fell silent.
Most of the journalists here are from Europe and America; how could they not know Maugham?
Director Wang Zhong, along with several other actors on stage, and producer Chen Ling, who had asked Lu Yanhe a question, all looked at Lu Yanhe with changed expressions.
Lu Yanhe's remarks completely exceeded their expectations.
“Sometimes we tend to think of style as the clothes a person wears. Some people like to dress in a classic and elegant way, while others prefer to dress in a relaxed and carefree way. However, style is not just about the clothes a person wears, but also about a person’s temperament. In the context of Chinese, I prefer to call it ‘style’ or ‘backbone.’ In English, I would call it ‘character that distinguishes one from others.’ Of course, this is not entirely accurate, but it is the translation I can think of right now.”
Lu Yanhe emphasized again that this was his own translation.
"The film 'Three Mountains' is obviously different from most films. Whether it is good or bad is for everyone to judge, but we can definitely reach a consensus that it is not a film that can be copied from other places, but a film that only director Wang Zhong can make."
"Desire, impulse, anger, regret, fate, fear... Some people understand a director as someone who puts the world they see into a film, just as some people understand style as the style of clothes a person wears."
"But after working with director Wang Zhong, I prefer to understand the director as someone who is reshaping the world. He uses his thoughts, his confusion, his greed, anger and ignorance, and his decluttering to reshape the world in a film."
"It is completely different from our real world, but during the two hours of watching the film, we feel as if we have fallen into a huge and dreamlike dream. After watching it, we wake up and know that it is a movie and it is not real. Then, in a moment of confusion, we recall some scenes or images from it and ask ourselves in a daze, was it a dream or something that really happened?"
"This is how I understand the world of film. Does it have anything to do with style? Of course it does, but does it matter?"
Lu Yanhe said with a smile, "The important thing is what we feel. A film is the director's work, but it is not the director; it belongs to everyone who watches it."
-
After Lu Yanhe finished speaking, the scene was quiet for several seconds.
In stark contrast to this quietness are the bullet comment sections in the live streaming rooms of several domestic platforms.
As Lu Yanhe spoke, switching between English and Chinese, everyone was able to understand what he was saying without any difficulty, thanks to the real-time translation.
The more they listened, the more excited and conflicted they became.
—After Lu Yanhe's speech, I almost forgot what he was saying; I just felt like he was shining.
—From "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" to "The Moon and Sixpence," he spoke with such ease, even remembering other people's comments and being able to translate them into English on the spot.
—Can you guys stop focusing on these external things? Listen carefully to what Lu Yanhe is saying. It's so sophisticated, so amazing. He's completely outclassing that idiot Yongshanhe San from another dimension!
— I'm used to Lu Yanhe's sophisticated and impressive way of speaking.
—I'm so materialistic, I just think his calm and composed demeanor is so cool, I can't hear what he's saying at all.
—Same as above, I'm also a commoner.
—Lu Yanhe's remarks turned this media meeting into a performance, and it's already generating a lot of buzz online.
—A foreign friend of mine asked me what "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" was and whether there was an English version. Damn, how would I know if there was an English version!
—Lu Yanhe's cultural export is absolutely amazing.
—Everyone said that Lu Yanhe got into Zhenhua by luck and became a stain on Zhenhua's reputation. Now, who dares to say that Lu Yanhe is a stain on Zhenhua's reputation? That's amazing! I'm so moved I could cry. He truly deserves to be a student of Zhenhua, truly deserves to be a member of Zhenhua's School of Humanities!
...
Only a small number of people watched the live stream, but as major media outlets extracted Lu Yanhe's speech, created long images, and posted them on their media accounts, more and more people read them.
In fact, no matter how well this speech was delivered, it would only attract the attention of some people who usually follow the entertainment industry because the speaker was Lu Yanhe.
But this incident stemmed from a "malicious" question asked by a Japanese reporter.
Thus, the matter turned into Lu Yanhe cleverly refuting the Japanese reporter.
This topic has gained increasing popularity online due to some well-known reasons.
-
After the press conference for "Three Mountains", Lu Yanhe went on several official promotional trips with everyone. Afterwards, he returned to the hotel, ate something, and had two formal interviews in the evening.
These were all interviews with domestic media outlets.
One is Tomorrow Daily, and the other is Movie Report; both are top-tier media outlets in China.
Reporters from both media outlets mentioned his performance at the press conference that afternoon.
They made no attempt to hide their affection for Lu Yanhe. After offering some encouragement, they asked, "Yanhe, have you seen the comments about you online in China?"
Lu Yanhe shook his head, somewhat bewildered, and said, "I haven't had a chance to check my phone yet. What's wrong? What's the evaluation?"
"Look back and see for yourself. Simply put, your statement has garnered a lot of support, and it's not just about support," the reporter said. "Mainly, your words have prompted many people in the film industry to stand up for you. Director Wang Zhong's films have been highly controversial in recent years, not only internationally but also domestically. Your statement not only responded to Yongshanhe San's criticisms but also seriously addressed the issue of Director Wang Zhong's film style. Many people believe that your answer is a redefinition of Director Wang Zhong's film style."
“That’s too much of an exaggeration. I was just expressing my own feelings. How can you call it a redefinition?” Lu Yanhe said.
After discussing his remarks in a proper manner, we finally got to the main topic.
They specifically talked about how he created this character.
When Lu Yanhe mentioned that he had only made a cameo appearance in the play for one night, the reporters were stunned.
Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that Lu Yanhe had only received a fragment of the script that day, leaving everyone stunned.
Reporters on the scene laughed and said, "We don't even know how to write this article. We feel that if we write it like this, people will either think we're exaggerating or that we're just making things up."
Lu Yanhe smiled and waved his hand, "Then let's not write these."
"But how did you find your character in such a short time?" the reporter asked.
Lu Yanhe shook his head, "Actually, I don't know either. The state of being in character that day was particularly magical. Director Wang Zhong really found a real mountain temple. It wasn't a set that was built temporarily. We had been driving for a long time on the mountain road. I was a little carsick and felt like throwing up as soon as I got out of the car. But the environment that day was just right. It was a small hill, with a chilly wind and mountains all around. The scene in the script appeared right in front of you. The small temple was the same. When you went in, it was all dusty and real. You couldn't help but imagine the story. After the director gave me my role and lines, I faced the wall and imagined my character's past. It was magical. I didn't have any distracting thoughts. I just imagined a lot of experiences. Then, when it was time to start acting, I didn't have any burden in my heart. I acted very relaxed."
He said, "Director Wang is the kind of director who doesn't give you specific instructions. He just sets up the camera and gives you a lot of space to let you use your own ideas to act. He won't nitpick your details, but will tell you what feeling he wants. As an actor, I really enjoyed acting that night. I didn't have to worry about anything. Before today, I had never even seen what I looked like in a movie."
"When you watched this movie yourself, what feelings would you like to share with us?"
"All I want to say is that the director's camera work is so good for the actors," Lu Yanhe said. "I myself feel unfamiliar with the people in the shot. The director is very good at using the camera to find the actors. I myself feel unfamiliar with the people in this shot."
...
After the interview, Lu Yanhe was so exhausted that he drank water like crazy and didn't want to say another word.
The intense work day left him exhausted.
Chen Ziyan came over and told him that the program scores were out and "Sanshan" had received a very high score.
Film program notes are scores given to films by media outlets from various countries. Although they are not related to the final award winners, they represent the evaluation of films by film media from different countries and have a significant influence.
In fact, judging from past years, the scores in the event program have a high degree of overlap with the final award winners.
The judges aren't locked in a dark room commenting on these films; they also come out to participate in events and read the program.
Chen Ziyan added, "More than a dozen media outlets, including The New York Times, French Cinema, and The Guardian, have given your performance high praise and specifically mentioned it. In particular, French Cinema called your performance the most surprising supporting performance of the year and said that you will definitely be the top seed for this year's Best Supporting Actor award!"
Lu Yanhe laughed uncontrollably as he listened to Chen Ziyan excitedly recounting these words, and said, "The number one seed? Really?"
“There’s a bit of exaggeration involved. After all, these magazines at film festivals tend to use the most exaggerated language to describe any good performance, but it also shows how much people like you,” Chen Ziyan said. “You didn’t know, did you? French Cinema even sent me an interview request, wanting to interview you.”
Lu Yanhe was somewhat surprised.
"Really?"
“Hmm.” Chen Ziyan nodded. “Of course, your interview may not be published in their magazine or journal. It may just be posted on their website, but that’s good too. It’s rare to have such a proper interview with a foreign film media outlet.”
Lu Yanhe nodded and readily agreed.
Chen Ziyan added, "Right now, the most popular topic about you in China is actually your speech at the media conference this afternoon. You spoke very well, and many foreign media outlets present also gave you high praise. People don't really like an actor who is empty-headed, but you showed this side of yourself when you first met them, which made them have a very good impression of you."
After saying that, Chen Ziyan sighed, "It's a pity that he has too few scenes. Although he received high praise, he has no hope of competing for this year's Best Actor award."
Lu Yanhe was shocked. "No way, Sister Ziyan, you actually thought about competing for Best Actor at the Xituer Film Festival?"
"Given the current evaluation, if you were the male lead, it wouldn't be a bad idea," Chen Ziyan said.
Lu Yanhe waved his hand, "Don't say that, you'll just make me more and more arrogant."
"With your humble and cautious personality, even if I praise you every day and flatter you to the skies, you'll still find a way to back down on your own," Chen Ziyan complained.
Lu Yanhe: "..."
"But this time, coming to the Cittour Film Festival with 'Three Mountains' has been much more rewarding than I imagined. At first, I just wanted to broaden my horizons and get to know people since it was my first time attending a film festival. This time, you've had a great start. Even the director, Wintour Robbe, knows you and remembers your name."
"They're just being polite."
“He specifically mentioned you when he was interviewed by the media,” Chen Ziyan said. “When foreign media asked him if there was anything special worth introducing at this year’s Citium Film Festival, he mentioned you. He said that among the films in the main competition, there was a young actor from China who won a lot of praise, including many of his friends, and they solemnly introduced your name.”
Lu Yanhe saw the video on Chen Ziyan's tablet and was astonished.
“Of course, he only said that to the media because you are a very famous star in China.” Chen Ziyan immediately added, “He has some skills to make the Xituer Film Festival what it is today. He has treated all the big stars from various countries very well and gave them all face. He even personally appeared at one of Jia Long’s public events and took a photo with him.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe's initial excitement was dampened.
He thought it was his performance that had earned him a higher opinion of Wintour Robbe.
So they came with some other purpose after all.
Upon seeing Lu Yanhe's expression, Chen Ziyan immediately guessed what was bothering him.
“If you have the right attitude, people will be willing to praise you, provided that you deserve it. If you don’t act well, they won’t risk being criticized to praise you. What I mean is, if they praise you in front of the media, your fans will naturally spread their opinions of you. In this way, they and the reputation of the Cité International Film Festival will be spread. It’s a win-win situation,” Chen Ziyan said. “It’s a good thing.”
"Yes, that's a good thing." Lu Yanhe yawned. "However, Sister Ziyan, I'm really a little tired. I had too much work today. Why don't you let me rest first? Tomorrow is another day of work."
"Okay, then you can rest." Chen Ziyan was clearly still excited and not sleepy at all.
She came out of Lu Yanhe's room, but instead of returning to her own room, she left the hotel.
She has other plans.
There are quite a few Chinese filmmakers in Xituer.
Since it's rare for them to get together in one place, they try their best to find time to meet up.
Director Wang Zhong was also there.
As soon as Chen Ziyan appeared, they asked, "Why didn't Lu Yanhe come with you?"
“He had just finished work and his eyes were almost closed, so I told him to go to sleep first,” Chen Ziyan said.
"Oh dear, young people don't get tired so easily. You're being too strict with him."
"There's no other way. I finally raised such a precious child, so I have to take good care of her," Chen Ziyan said with a smile.
"Then you have indeed found a treasure. Who would have thought that a ten-minute scene could create such a huge buzz, with more than a dozen foreign media outlets specifically praising him."
"It was mainly what he said at the media conference that really stunned those foreigners."
"What others say is true. Director Wang's film style has always been nitpicked by some blind people. But what Xiao Lu said is right. Those who nitpick are only picking clothes. They are superficial and can't see the essence."
Wang Zhong waved his hand with a smile, "You guys stop teasing me, it was Xiao Lu who saved my face."
"Director, you're too modest. This isn't Xiao Lu trying to save face for you. The feedback on 'Three Mountains' at the Xituer Film Festival has been so good that we have a very good chance of taking home an award!"
Wang Zhong chuckled and simply said, "It's hard to say. We'll just have to see if we're lucky."
Chinese-language films have not won any awards at the Citium Film Festival for many years.
Things are valued for their rarity.
This has made the domestic film industry very hopeful that Chinese-language films can achieve more success at the Citur Film Festival.
"I think there's a great chance that 'Three Mountains' will win an award this time."
"If there were Chinese filmmakers on the judging panel this time, we would be all set. Now we just need to see if the judges can appreciate the merits of 'Three Mountains'."
It's not that having Chinese filmmakers on the judging panel guarantees connections or anything like that. Often, having a filmmaker from your own country allows you to explain the merits of a film from a cultural perspective, helping the other judges understand its strengths. Cultural barriers can prevent others from grasping the film's meaning; having someone explain it makes understanding much easier.
Especially movies like "Three Mountains".
Wang Zhong said again, "It's okay. Winning an award is luck, and not winning an award doesn't mean my movie is bad. I'll just relax and wait for the results."
In the competition, no one is indifferent to who wins the grand prize.
Wang Zhong's films are frequently shortlisted for the four major international film festivals, but he has almost never won any awards.
Deep down, he certainly wanted to win a big prize. But years of disappointment had made him almost habitually prepared for that disappointment.
"However, it seems that 'Three Mountains' is quite popular in the international market? Many film companies want to buy the rights?"
"Yes, the response to 'Three Mountains' this time is quite significant, attracting the interest of many film companies."
"This is a good thing."
Is it going to be released in theaters?
"Maxine wants to buy the exclusive streaming rights for all regions except mainland China," someone said.
Wang nodded, "We haven't decided yet whether to sell them separately or in one package to Maxine."
"If it's sold to Maxine and released globally on streaming, who knows what the outcome will be."
Chen Ziyan said, "It depends on what kind of publicity and distribution resources Maxine will provide for 'Three Mountains'."
"Although Maxine has a large user base and has been quite popular in recent years, releasing several hit films, it is not a traditional film company after all. 'Three Mountains' is not the kind of film aimed at box office success. If it is released on streaming media, the data may not look good, and it may not achieve good results and instead be criticized."
"Maxine said that if they were given the opportunity, they would help 'Three Mountains' manage the North American awards season."
"Aiming for the Olympics?"
"yes."
The Academy Awards are among the world's most prestigious film awards. Although they no longer hold the unique status that Lu Yanhe had before his time travel, they are still formidable, at least in Europe and America, where their influence and dominance remain significant.
Is there a good chance that "Three Mountains" will win an Oscar?
"After today's premiere, several American media outlets gave positive reviews, which at least shows that the film is acceptable to the American media. If it can win an award at the Sethor Awards, it definitely has a chance at the Oscars. In recent years, films from the Sethor Awards have been able to make a name for themselves during awards season and have also received some Oscar nominations."
"It's been a long time since Chinese-language films have been nominated for Oscars."
"They're completely on two different tracks now. In the past, there were many domestic art films, and one or two could break into the international film festivals by relying on their reputation and influence. Now, there are basically no directors making any significant art films, and they're only just getting started with commercial films. They haven't even reached the point of breaking through the production ceiling of other countries yet, and they've already fallen behind their methods."
"Too."
"If 'Three Mountains' were to compete for an Oscar, with Lu's momentum, wouldn't he also be a contender for Best Supporting Actor? It's a real shame he didn't win at the Sitour Awards. If Sitour had a Best Supporting Actor category, he would definitely have won this year. But Sitour only selects one Best Actor and one Best Actress each year, and it doesn't have anything to do with supporting roles."
Chen Ziyan smiled and waved her hand, "Xiao Lu wouldn't dare to think about these things. Anyway, let's just follow the crew's arrangements."
-
Because he was in a hurry to get back to class, Lu Yanhe rushed back to China after finishing his last job—an interview with the French film magazine.
Zou Dong accompanied him back to China, while Chen Ziyan had to stay in Xituer for other work.
As soon as they landed, they were surrounded by reporters from the media who had gotten wind of the situation.
"Yan He, your performance in 'Three Mountains' has been highly praised by media from various countries. How do you feel?"
Do you think "Three Mountains" can win an award at this year's Sittor International Film Festival?
"Why did you come back so early? Did you hear something beforehand that 'Three Mountains' didn't win any awards at this year's Xituer Film Festival?"
...
Everyone started asking questions all at once.
Lu Yanhe could hardly move an inch.
"Brothers and sisters, I just had a long flight. Let me catch my breath, or I'm going to faint."
Lu Yanhe made a helpless expression.
The crowd's enthusiasm subsided somewhat.
He said, "Let me explain first. The reason I came back early is because I need to go back to school for classes. I have already asked the school for five days off and I can't ask for any more. The director and the others are still at the Xituer Film Festival. I only had a cameo role there and am not the main character in the film. My early return will not affect the crew in any way."
He added, "This trip to Sittoria was my first time attending an international film festival, so it felt very novel. It was also a rare opportunity to experience such a grand party where people gathered for film. I met many people, and 'Three Mountains' has indeed received a lot of love and support from media friends, especially many foreign journalists. Some of them even joked that although they didn't quite understand it, they were still blown away and it was an unparalleled movie-watching experience."
"Of course I really hope that 'Three Mountains' can win an award. Even if it comes back, I will continue to follow the news."
After Lu Yanhe finished speaking, he waved his hand and said, "I have to go now, bye-bye."
"Your response to Yongshanhe 3 was excellent, keep it up!" a reporter suddenly exclaimed.
Lu Yanhe glanced at him with some surprise, then laughed and raised his hand to give a thumbs-up.
-
Seven days later, the Citour Film Festival held its awards ceremony.
Director Wang Zhong attended the event with three lead actors.
"Three Mountains" won the Best Director Award at this year's Xituer Film Festival. When Wang Chong went on stage to accept the award, he was quite excited. When he was giving his acceptance speech, he was so emotional that he was unable to speak normally for a period of time.
The audience erupted in applause.
After the awards ceremony, the jury of this year's main competition gave an interview to the media.
Fellaini, a famous Spanish actress, spoke about the Best Actor award winner, laughing as she recounted some behind-the-scenes stories about the decision-making process.
"Actually, the competition for Best Actor this year was very fierce. Several actors' performances were enough to win the award, including the actor who played the fortune teller in 'Three Mountains.' I don't know his name. He only appeared for about ten minutes, but some judges thought he should win the award. However, considering the richness, complexity, and difficulty of the role, we ultimately chose Leon Spaich."
Lu Yanhe was stunned when he saw the video.
At that moment, he suddenly felt a sudden sense of regret.
He had previously said so many things like it was impossible for him to win an award and that it had nothing to do with him, but now that the judges had told him that he really had a chance and hope to win an award, his first reaction was, "I wish I had more screen time."
What Chen Ziyan said was exactly the same.
Lu Yanhe shook his head with a smile, sighing that people are indeed driven by desires, and he was no exception.
He thought he saw things clearly and believed he was not destined for the award.
But when the reality turned out that he had missed out on the award, his desire for it suddenly became incredibly strong, fueled by regret.
On the day Wang Chong returned to China, he announced that "Three Mountains" would be released domestically on March 18.
Meanwhile, "Three Mountains" will be available on Maxine on April 10th, and will be streamed globally.
He immediately contacted Lu Yanhe and asked him to take some time to join the promotional tour for "Three Mountains".
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With 10,000 words updated, this chapter was a bit easier to write and less strenuous.
Tomorrow I'll be featured on the big promotion list. I hope the average daily limit will break 6,000 before the big promotion. Thank you everyone.
Finally, please vote for me with a monthly pass!
bow!
(End of this chapter)
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