Chapter 789 I have lived up to everyone's expectations
However, even so, he would do it again if given the chance.
The more you delve into the significance of the Jose Film Festival being held in Yuming this time, the more you realize the importance of making the most of it.
Lu Yanhe wanted to do everything in his power to make it an unrepeatable success.
As the honorary chairman of the selection committee, Wu Yang had previously shortlisted 57 films from thousands of submissions. Of course, Wu Yang also suggested that if Lu Yanhe had any other films he thought could be included, they could be suggested so the committee could make a final decision.
Generally, the number of films selected for the main competition at the Jose Film Festival is between 22 and 26.
Lu Yanhe glanced at the list and found that out of the 57 films, there were 7 Chinese films.
Surprisingly, it includes "The Unfinished Road," a new work by director Fu Kai, who previously collaborated with Lu Yanhe on "The Road to Glory."
Lu Yanhe was surprised because Fu Kai had never contacted him or mentioned anything about the movie from beginning to end.
Fu Kai hadn't told him that the film had been submitted for the main competition.
At this moment, Lu Yanhe felt both guilty and moved.
The guilt stemmed from the fact that directors who had worked with him and were familiar with him voluntarily avoided him by not giving him a single word of greeting, which was a kind of indescribable heartache.
That's why I was moved.
Aside from Fu Kai's film, the other Chinese-language films were all works by directors that Lu Yanhe was familiar with or knew, and surprisingly, there wasn't a single new director among them.
However, there are indeed few new directors among the works in the main competition, and Lu Yanhe cannot force that.
On the list, Lu Yanhe saw several movies that had been sent to him by others with the message "Please take care of them."
Lu Yanhe sighed inwardly.
How can a person keep himself clean and make everyone believe that he has no selfish motives in getting this result?
Even if he doesn't consider these "connections" at all, those works that are shortlisted will always attribute some of the credit to the "connections," while those that aren't shortlisted will only feel that their "connections" aren't as strong as those of the shortlisted ones.
He said it a thousand times, ten thousand times, that greetings are useless, but the person greeting doesn't believe it, the audience doesn't believe it either, no one believes it, or they are only half-believing.
Lu Yanhe sighed.
The result of understanding this is that you stop thinking about anything else.
See a movie.
In the end, only the movies will remain.
Ultimately, the evaluation of his role as chairman of this film selection committee will only come from the films themselves.
Lu Yanhe stayed alone in the screening room for two whole weeks.
I watch three to four movies a day, focusing on them, and I also take notes.
It was precisely during this process that he suddenly discovered that his love for film might be even greater than he had realized.
I thought watching so many movies in one go would be boring and irritating, but as long as I watch a good movie, I don't feel that way.
Two weeks later, Lu Yanhe had his own ideas.
He made a list of the movies he had selected and went to see Wu Yang first.
"Director Wu, how should we decide on the final list of films to be nominated for the main competition from these 57 films?" Lu Yanhe asked bluntly, having never actually asked this question before.
Wu Yang asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
Lu Yanhe said, "I have watched all 57 movies and I have a list in mind. However, this is definitely not something I can decide alone, right? What I mean is, you decide how to determine the final shortlist. You set the rules, and I will give my results according to my ideas and the rules."
Wu Yang said, "Actually, we usually sit together and each person first proposes a few films that they think should be nominated, and then we determine the films that everyone agrees on. Then, we can announce the films that are added later or those that are controversial."
Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "Okay, then I'll follow your arrangements. When will you discuss this?"
Wu Yang said, "We are all waiting for your opinion. In fact, we have already discussed these films twice."
Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "I've come up with my opinion. Then can you set a time nearby so we can meet together? I've set aside all my time; anytime is fine."
"Okay." Wu Yang nodded.
-
In fact, film selection committees can generally reach a consensus on the greatest common denominator.
Those films of very high quality are obvious to everyone.
The works that are less likely to reach a consensus are those with a very distinct authorial style, such as "Three Mountains," which are prone to controversy, as well as mediocre works that are neither good nor bad and are only trying to get a nomination.
Lu Yanhe felt that the films in the main competition section of this year's Jose Film Festival were of quite high quality.
At least among the films he has seen, there are three or four that he considers to be masterpieces. In addition, there are seven or eight films that he personally likes very much and that hit his aesthetic (especially these seven or eight films, which do not have many shortcomings in other aspects, and are not the kind that are technically amazing but also have many bugs that hit his aesthetic).
The selection committee for the Jose Film Festival is actually quite small, consisting of only five or six people including Wu Yang.
However, each of them is a seasoned industry professional with deep expertise in the film field.
They are people who have followed the Jose Film Festival year after year, and they know very well what kind of films are good films and what kind of good films will be welcomed at the Jose Film Festival.
When Lu Yanhe revealed the list of works he believed should definitely be shortlisted for the main competition, everyone's expressions were quite interesting.
They looked at each other in bewilderment.
Lu Yanhe asked, "Is there a problem?"
Wu Yang checked the list Lu Yanhe had shown him again and asked, "Are there only two Chinese films on this list?"
“Yes.” Lu Yanhe hadn’t expected that this was what surprised them.
Lu Yanhe felt a little ironic.
Even members of the Jose Film Festival's selection committee believed that he would favor Chinese films.
Lu Yanhe stated frankly: "Among the 57 films shortlisted, although there are quite a few Chinese films, only these two truly meet my standards for a good film. The others, like many mediocre works, have some highlights and standout moments, but they are not good films that must be shortlisted for the main competition."
Wu Yang nodded and said, "The two Chinese films you chose are also on our must-see list."
Lu Yanhe's face lit up with surprise.
"That's good." He breathed a sigh of relief.
He was relieved as long as he considered the two best Chinese films to be included.
Otherwise, he would definitely have a serious argument with them about them.
In this regard, he certainly wouldn't be embarrassed to speak up for them just because they are Chinese films.
This is not the time to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Wu Yang said, "Actually, your must-see list and our first batch of selections overlap by 80%, with only two films differing. One is 'Summer Shadows,' and the other is 'March 21st.'"
Lu Yanhe nodded and asked, "Shall we start discussing now whether these two films should be nominated, or..."
Wu Yang: "Either is fine."
“I will listen to you,” Lu Yanhe said. “I would like to reiterate that although I am the honorary chairman this time, this is the Jose Film Festival, and I must respect your traditions and will certainly respect your opinions. Of course, I will also honestly express my attitude and choices, as this is my mission as a filmmaker.”
Everyone nodded.
Wu Yang said, "How about this, let's take out the two films we just mentioned, as well as the films we think should be included but aren't on your list, and explain why we think they should be included and why we think they shouldn't be included. Then we can vote by raising our hands, okay? Of course, as is customary, we don't take the result of the vote by raising our hands as the final result; this is just a way to understand other people's opinions."
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"good."
“Let me start, to get the ball rolling. The only shortcoming of ‘Summer Shadows’ in my opinion is that it comes from an unknown European director.” Lu Yanhe spoke first. “I rarely see an art film that is so profoundly moving. It looks slow and calm, but it’s like lying in bed during an afternoon nap, watching the curtains fluttering in the wind outside the window. It draws me in and keeps me watching, and it evokes a lot of thoughts in me.”
“That’s exactly what I dislike about this movie; it’s too stream-of-consciousness,” a man with a short beard immediately chimed in. “I know many movies like to play this style, and there are quite a few so-called classics in film history that are in this style. However, such films have never actually received recognition at the Jose Film Festival.”
“Because this is an audience vote, and past results have proven one thing: films without a story cannot win over audiences at the Jose Film Festival.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “I understand, but I want to ask a question. Audiences like stories because a story is essential for a film to be watchable; otherwise, it’s just a series of pictures. But when you watched ‘Summer Shadows,’ did you find it unwatchable or uninteresting?”
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
Lu Yanhe said, "As I said, the most amazing thing about this movie is that although it doesn't have a strong story, it has a strange magic that keeps me watching and I never feel bored or tired of it. Believe me, I'm a writer of commercial film scripts, not the kind of creator who is obsessed with stream-of-consciousness expression."
The bearded man immediately said, "I admit that most of us didn't find the movie bad, and everyone even enjoyed watching it smoothly. However, the average viewer's aesthetic sense is different from ours."
"No, the difference between the audience and us in watching movies is only in the analysis of aesthetics, but not in the ability to feel aesthetics. The aesthetic appreciation of art is the thing that requires the least threshold; it is an intuition in itself."
"You're just stating a so-called correct theory, but we all know it doesn't fit reality."
"However, the reality is that film art is inherently an intuitive art; it is a comprehensive art that takes the audience's feelings as its primary sensory experience," Lu Yanhe said. "Should we simply eliminate a film that might make history in the main competition of the Jose Film Festival based on our own assumptions about the audience?"
Everyone fell silent.
Lu Yanhe said, "Before watching these 57 films, I told myself that setting any standards for myself is not as good as trusting my intuition."
“If we all make choices based on intuition, anyone can do it, not us.”
"Not everyone's intuition is sharp enough to perceive things that most people cannot clearly perceive."
"You just said that the audience's aesthetic feelings are no different from ours."
"What is good and what is bad is an aesthetic feeling. Clearly knowing what is good and what meaning it has is an accumulated aesthetic intuition," Lu Yanhe said. "Of course, you may be right, but I still stand by what I said. In the end, everyone can still choose not to select 'Summer Shadows.' What I want to say is that we have more than twenty films in the main competition. We are not choosing the best one, but rather, among these more than twenty films, should we reserve a spot for a film that is a bit different, that we rationally think the audience will not be able to watch, but that we ourselves feel very comfortable watching?"
...
This meeting lasted a full seven hours.
When Lu Yanhe came out of the conference room, he felt a little dizzy from lack of oxygen.
Wang Biao immediately handed over the water bottle.
"Brother Lu, this is today's nutritious soup."
"..." Lu Yanhe took it, unscrewed the cap, and took two sips.
It's quite mild and gentle.
This is the nutritionist Chen Siqi found. He stays with him every day and prepares nutritious meals for him.
The "nutritious soup" was his daily "supplement," only with a nicer name.
Lu Yanhe thought to himself, "How old is he? He's already drinking 'supplements' every day."
However, Chen Siqi said, "This is not a supplement. It's just to help you regain some energy. You have so much work to do every day. I drink this too. Many of us drink this. Don't feel embarrassed."
"..."
At this moment, Lu Yanhe, who had been arguing with someone for seven hours, felt incredibly comforted after drinking this soup.
Comfortable.
That feels so good.
It smells so good.
-
Lu Yanhe held meetings with them for almost a week and finally selected the shortlist for the first round of the main competition.
A total of 19 films were included, with 2 of them being Chinese films.
Three to six more films will be added to the shortlist later.
The Chinese film industry was in an uproar.
Why are there only 2 parts?
With Lu Yanhe serving as the chairman of the selection committee, how come only two Chinese-language films were shortlisted?
There wasn't a single Chinese film at the last BiCarlo Film Festival, yet three of their films were nominated.
In previous years, the Jose Film Festival had 2-3 Chinese-language films nominated, but why is there no change this year?
-
Lu Yanhe's phone buzzed and vibrated.
Someone sent him a message: You really don't show any bias towards Chinese films at all? I really didn't expect that, you've disappointed us so much.
Lu Yanhe was taken aback.
This person... well, I'm not that familiar with him.
I met this senior colleague at a film review seminar.
They rarely communicate with each other.
Lu Yanhe never expected that he would send him such a message at this time.
Lu Yanhe hesitated for a moment, deciding that he still wanted to reply to this senior. However, after typing for a long time and sending the message, he found that he had already been deleted as a friend.
"..."
This feeling is strangely frustrating.
Lu Yanhe gripped his phone tightly, hesitated for a moment, and then let out a sigh of relief.
This is something you're destined to encounter from the very beginning when you make that choice.
Just accept it.
There will definitely be people who don't understand.
Some people will definitely think he's an ingrate.
Lu Yanhe immediately turned off his phone.
But after five minutes, he suddenly remembered that he had another phone call to make.
He quickly turned the computer back on.
Just as I was about to call that person, a message suddenly came in on my phone.
It was sent by director Fu Kai: Don't feel pressured, don't pay attention to those extreme comments attacking you, stick to what you believe in, everything will be fine.
Lu Yanhe's eyes instantly reddened at that moment.
Fu Kai's "The Road Not Ended" was also shortlisted. However, it was not among the two Chinese films strongly supported by Lu Yanhe because he felt that although the film took the route of dark humor, it was not innovative and had heavy commercial formulas. It was just a copy of an author's expression.
But this is ultimately just an objective explanation.
Regarding the relationship between Lu Yanhe and Fu Kai, he should give Fu Kai an explanation.
Unexpectedly, Fu Kai sent such a message.
Lu Yanhe made a phone call.
"director."
"Yan He," Fu Kai's voice still seemed to carry a hint of laughter, "have you been having a headache lately?"
"This is a real headache." Lu Yanhe gave a wry smile, but immediately felt guilty. "Sorry, director."
"It's alright," Fu Kai said. "Let's not talk about this. When 'The Unfinished Path' is released, you still have to help me promote it."
“Definitely,” Lu Yanhe said. “Director, it’s like this, I’m calling you because there’s something I need to discuss with you.”
"Hmm?" Fu Kai asked, "What is it?"
“Although ‘The Road Not Ended’ was not selected for the main competition, it’s not because it’s bad, but simply because it doesn’t quite fit the tone of the Jose Film Festival,” said Lu Yanhe.
Fu Kai said, "I understand. Actually, I directed the movie myself, so I know best what it's like."
"Director, would you be willing to have this film screened in the world premiere section?" Lu Yanhe said. "Although it is not participating in the competition, it is very suitable for the premiere at the Jose Film Festival. It is a film that will be very popular with audiences. If you are willing to put it in the world premiere section, the Jose Film Festival will use the top media resources to promote the film."
Upon hearing this, Fu Kai immediately said, "That would be great! If the film can sell some overseas distribution rights at the Jose Film Festival, my pressure to recoup my investment will be less. The main investor in this film is my own film company, and I'm under so much pressure that I'm losing my hair."
Lu Yanhe said, "That's great, I will use all available resources to promote this movie."
Fu Kai smiled and said, "No need, we don't need to do that."
-
No matter how many people in the industry criticized Lu Yanhe, he ignored them and quietly went about his business and made subsequent arrangements.
When the supplementary list was released, another Chinese film was included.
Many people believe that Lu Yanhe gave this Chinese film the green light when supplementing the cast list due to pressure from public opinion within the Chinese film industry.
At the press conference, Wu Yang explained the supplementary list, saying, "This supplementary list was actually determined by the selection committee through a vote on the 57 films shortlisted that were not announced in the first round of the main competition. The list was based on the number of votes received and was not decided by Lu Yanhe alone. In fact, Lu Yanhe had some films he really liked, and we discussed them together for a whole week. In the end, we were all convinced by him that the films he liked and selected had already been shortlisted in the first round. The claim that the Chinese film on the supplementary list was selected by Lu Yanhe is completely untrue."
Wu Yang's explanation did little to help Lu Yanhe's situation.
However, what Lu Yanhe found unbelievable and even laughable was that the senior who had deleted him actually wanted to add him back and sent him a friend request.
Lu Yanhe remained silent for a long time before deciding to ignore the friend request.
I waited until the Jose Film Festival opened.
Lu Yanhe, holding Chen Siqi's hand, made a high-profile appearance in a dark gold men's haute couture suit, a look he had never worn before.
All the media and cameras on site were frantically capturing every moment of his appearance on the red carpet.
Lu Yanhe's unprecedented high-profile attitude is so out of character, and at this critical juncture, his decision not to keep a low profile is like a declaration of war that says, "Do whatever you want, I'll admit defeat if I bother with you."
At the scene, Lu Yanhe was interviewed by reporters. When asked why he chose such a high-profile outfit, which was unusual for him, Lu Yanhe said: "I have used up almost all my friends and exhausted my energy for the purpose of holding this year's Jose Film Festival. I have also offended a group of people. I did not want to be high-profile, but I also did not want to be low-profile at this so-called critical moment. I know that I have done right by everyone."
(End of this chapter)
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