"The Film Festival?" Ji Juntao murmured, repeating, "Is it the one I'm thinking of?"
“That’s right.” Shang Yechu’s voice was trembling. “Wait a minute.”
Shang Yechu turned on the speakerphone, turned the volume up to the maximum, and said to the other end, "Gu Wenhua, could you say that again? I can hardly believe it."
Gu Wenhua's trembling voice came from the other end of the phone: "Ye Chu, I said, our film has been shortlisted for the final round of judging at the Asian Film Festival!"
Ji Juntao rushed over like a whirlwind, snatched Shang Yechu's phone, and shouted, "Just shortlisted? Or nominated?"
"President Ji, you're here too?" Gu Wenhua's voice paused for two seconds before he immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, I forgot to inform you..."
"It's alright. Has the nomination list been released yet?"
"Not yet. The final shortlist won't be announced until tomorrow," Gu Wenhua said incoherently. "I forgot we applied for this award, and I haven't checked my email in a long time. I only found out today."
Ji Juntao and Gu Wenhua cast a wide net, submitting their films to countless awards. Their original goal was to accumulate domestic awards, but they unexpectedly won awards abroad first!
This is fantastic news! Even if he doesn't win an award, just a nomination would be a huge boost for Shang Yechu!
The Asian Film Festival, also known as the Asian Film Festival, is an international film festival jointly organized by China, Japan, and South Korea. "Ying" means to screen or exhibit, and "Shi" means the world.
The festival's mission is "to showcase the unique cultures and histories of Asian countries through the art of film; to reveal social issues; to provide a larger stage for Asian films; and to strengthen the interaction and cooperation between Asian films and the global film industry, thereby promoting the international development of Asian films."
Since its inception, the Film Festival has weathered many storms and gone through several decades. Although it was even suspended several times due to various problems, it has ultimately managed to revive its reputation.
Currently, the Asian Film Awards have become one of the most influential and authoritative film awards in Asia. While it may not garner as much attention domestically as the four major film awards in China, its international standing is arguably equal.
In recent years, especially with the continuous improvement of China's international status, the Film Festival has gradually expanded beyond Asian countries. Many renowned directors, filmmakers, and audiences from around the world have also begun to pay attention to it.
Ji Juntao was so excited he almost took off, constantly stroking his phone screen, his eyes shining, seemingly lost in thought.
Shang Yechu was also deeply moved. Having lived two lives, this was the first time he'd ever been associated with such a prestigious award. What filmmaker doesn't dream of winning? But comedy was considered a lowbrow genre, rarely having the chance to enter the halls of art…
Ji Juntao remained silent for a long time, then Gu Wenhua's voice tentatively came through: "Ye Chu, are you still there?"
"Oh, I'm here." Shang Yechu snapped out of her daze. "What's wrong?"
"Can I come to see you tonight? We can discuss the nomination," Gu Wenhua said cautiously.
Shang Yechu hesitated for a moment: "I'm in Ruguan right now. Which city are you in? I guess you can't come over? I heard you're preparing for a new movie recently."
“It’s alright! I can fly there—if you agree,” Gu Wenhua said softly. “Is it inconvenient?”
Shang Yechu glanced at Ji Juntao.
“There’s nothing inconvenient about it.” Ji Juntao was in a good mood and didn’t care what Gu Wenhua was chanting. “If you agree, then I agree.”
“Alright, then come on over,” Shang Yechu decided. “President Ji will send a car to pick you up from the airport.”
Gu Wenhua was overjoyed: "Great!"
Shang Yechu spoke with Gu Wenhua for a while longer before hanging up the phone. She then exchanged a glance with Ji Juntao.
The two exchanged the same message. Without a word, Ji Juntao immediately plopped down at the table, sat in front of his laptop, and began checking the shortlist for this year's Asian Film Festival.
As Ji Juntao scrolled the mouse across the screen, a long list of nominees for each award appeared. Among Chinese-language films, in addition to "The Mute Woman," mainland films such as "The Fierce Land," "Godless," and "On Many Helpless Nights," as well as Hong Kong films "Night Stop" and "The Plump Thin Man," were also nominated for the final round.
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