Upon hearing Ban Qingwen's words, the other female judge's expression softened considerably, and she nodded, saying, "Thank you."
Ban Qingwen raised her hand, drawing everyone's attention to herself: "This year marks a major victory for Korean women's resistance. We filmmakers are not people who bury our heads in our films and are oblivious to what's happening around us. On the contrary, our films reflect the times and even lead the times—we bear this responsibility."
Park Se-jin looked displeased. He already knew what Ban Qingwen wanted to say. To be honest, as a male director, he had absolutely no interest in the protests and demonstrations by Korean women. He was rich; he could afford the best private doctors and ensure a safe delivery for his wife; he could support as many children as she wanted. Therefore, he couldn't understand why those hysterical women were yelling every day.
Unexpectedly, Ban Qingwen made this connection.
But he didn't stand up to refute Ban Qingwen; it's all too common to use politics when arguing over awards at film festivals. Besides, deep down, he also hoped that Ye Chu would outshine Yang Huanyi. Ye Chu not only acted well, his Guan Yue was completely different from Zhao Lele; but he was also a fan of his, and had even asked someone to get his autograph.
“Therefore, I think this film festival should also consider this point,” Ban Qingwen continued. “Yang Huanyi’s portrayal of Lin Fengyu is certainly excellent. But I feel that choosing a character like Zhao Lele, who has a rebellious spirit, would better reflect our film industry’s response to and support for the achievements of Korean women’s resistance. What do you all think?”
The female judges present all showed thoughtful expressions. Even the two female judges who had received bribes from Cao Shi had their eyes light up after hearing Ban Qingwen's words.
Ban Qingwen smiled slightly and added, "This is not my personal opinion. To be honest, it was many Korean films that inspired me. Korean films have always been avant-garde, radical, and daring to film and speak out. I admire them very much. I know that the issue of abortion is quite sensitive in Korea, but I think that those of you who can make such films are probably not as secretive as others."
Several male judges, flattered by Ban Qingwen's praise, looked much better. It's always pleasant to be praised by a talented and influential woman like Ban Qingwen.
Most people in the film industry are aloof and self-important. Regardless of their true feelings, they all want to be seen as pioneers standing with the underprivileged, and no one wants to be a conservative old-fashioned person out of touch with the times.
To be honest, they weren't interested in the crime of abortion, but they were extremely satisfied with the "avant-garde, radical, and fearless of power" image that Ban Qingwen described!
Ban Qingwen let out a sigh of relief. Tearing up awards is a skill; you can't always be tough. You have to be soft when necessary. Carrots, sticks, and books—you can't do without any of them.
Another judge who supported Ye Chu seized the opportunity to say, "I think Sophia (Ban Qingwen's English name) is right. Zhao Lele is indeed a character full of charm and rebellious spirit. We can point out countless flaws in her, but we cannot say that she is a compromiser."
After all, it's rare to see a character as crazy as Zhao Lele.
“That’s what I was thinking just now,” Park Se-jin nodded. “Her spirit of resisting power and religion is beautiful, not to mention, the interpretation of her emotions is also very difficult.”
Ban Qingwen smiled and nodded: "Yes. Yang Huanyi's performance was actually very good, but in this year, I think the role of Ye Chu is more suitable. As 2019 is about to end, in Busan, to show Asian filmmakers' support for Korean women's resistance, I think it would be perfect to end the Film Awards with such an unconventional, unsophisticated, and rebellious 'crazy woman'."
This statement offered a way out to the judges who had just supported Yang Huanyi. Ye Chu's acting skills were similar to Yang Huanyi's, only the character's tone was more suitable. The judges who supported Yang Huanyi had good taste; they were simply indifferent to politics.
Using harsh criticism, flattery, offering leeway, and highlighting value are all essential skills for international award judges. Ban Qingwen has mastered these techniques to perfection.
Now, even the judges who supported Yang Huanyi have switched sides.
This round of discussions ultimately ended with Ye Chu receiving almost unanimous approval. However, this meant that the Best Art Direction award for "Happiness Street, Please Come In!" had to be given to another film. Otherwise, it would have made it seem as if the Film Awards had been sold to Ye Chu, given that Chinese films had won three awards in one go, two of which featured Ye Chu in his roles.
The process of tearing up the award was full of twists and turns, and Ban Qingwen didn't mention the hardships and difficulties to anyone. When presenting the award to Ye Chu, she still had that same stern and indifferent demeanor.
It will be a long time before Shang Yechu realizes that her victory is not only the result of her personal struggle, but also a microcosm of the struggles of millions of ordinary women.
Just like her, it will be a long time before she finds out that Guan Yue, who missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award, also crossed mountains and rivers and time to give her a push at the same film festival.
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