Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 339 Scheming and Calculating for Fame and Fortune

2007 2 Month 17 Day.

Today is a special day, Lunar New Year's Eve, and tomorrow is the Spring Festival.

This is also a very important day for the Berlin Film Festival, and for the films that made it into the main competition. Tomorrow is the last day of the Berlin Film Festival.

The awards ceremony will also be held tomorrow.

Filmmakers who made it into the main competition are both nervous and hopeful today; everyone wants to receive the notification that they'll be selected.

Receiving the notification means I'm guaranteed to win the prize tomorrow.

Wang Quan'an had not received any notification by noon.

He couldn't sit still.

The more confident I was before, the more anxious I am now.

Wang Quan made six or seven phone calls before finally learning from a vice chairman of the film festival organizing committee that his film "Tuya's Marriage" had been personally rejected by the festival chairman, Dieter Kosslick.

The vice chairman of the organizing committee has important connections with Xi'an Film Studio and has always had a good relationship with the studio.

Wang Quan learned from him that "Tuya's Marriage" was originally a good chance of winning an award. There were many people within the film festival organization who supported it, and the jury also thought highly of it.

Unfortunately, festival chairman Dieter Kosslick may not think so; he does not support "Tuya's Marriage" winning the Golden Bear.

At that moment, Wang Quan felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He stared blankly at his phone for a long time before finally saying angrily:

"Does Dieter Kosslick have the right to defy democracy? Does Dieter Kosslick have the right to control everything? How could he do this!"

“Wang, calm down. Dieter has a lot of power, more than you can imagine. This is a long-standing tradition of the Berlin Film Festival, and I don’t want to comment on it.”

The vice chairman of the organizing committee paused for a moment. Could Dieter Koslick not wield considerable power?
He is the president of the Berlin Film Festival, its artistic director, chairman of the organizing committee, director of sales, and chairman of the selection committee...

Within the film festival, he's the head of any organization with significant power; that tells you how powerful he is!
"Wang, there's definitely no chance this time. Let's try next time. You're still young, and you'll have many more opportunities in the future..."

Wang Quan'an could no longer hear what was being said on the phone; his eyes were unfocused for a moment, and he looked dazed.

Then, Wang Quan'an seemed to realize something and interrupted the other person in a fit of anger, asking urgently, "Mr. Chairman, what about other awards? Is there still a chance?"

The other party was silent for a moment before speaking:
“I heard Dieter say that, apart from the Golden Bear, the selection of all other awards is entirely in the hands of the jury. In other words, it is entirely in the hands of your alumnus, entirely in the hands of that world-class director.”

The truth is, Dieter Koslick was afraid that some people would interfere with the awards without knowing what was good for them, so he warned these senior executives not to interfere with Cao Yang's selection results.

"You should have contacted him sooner. You're alumni, and if the film was decent, he could probably get you a good award. Unfortunately, it's too late now; those important awards have probably already been decided."

Suddenly, a classic scene from Stephen Chow's film flashed through Wang Quan's mind: "I once had a chance to win the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award, but I didn't cherish it. Only after losing it did I regret it..."

At this moment, Wang Quan'an really wanted to slap himself. A Berlin Film Festival Best Actress! That's a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress! In the film industry, producing a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress is not much less prestigious than winning a Golden Bear.

He is now filled with regret.

It's not that I regret not trying to win the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award for my girlfriend, but rather that I regret missing the opportunity to nurture a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress.

This sentence is a bit convoluted, but it has two meanings and reflects his truest thoughts.

After smoking half a pack of cigarettes, Wang Quan'an finally came up with an opportunity that, for him, was a last resort.

He first called Cao Yang and said directly, "Director Cao, I have let you down, let down Beijing Film Academy, and let down China Film Group. I shouldn't have been so ambitious, and I shouldn't have had any wishful thinking. I was wrong."

I just called Professor Ma Jingwu and gave him a deep apology, explaining that I was foolish and failed to recognize reality because of his help and kindness.

Cao Yang frowned and hung up the phone.

He had just attended the premiere of the film "Others," a co-production between Germany, France, and Argentina, which tells the story of a man who experiences a period of time while assuming the identity of another recently deceased person.

This movie is a bit dull, but it's actually a true art film that explores "human nature" without getting too politically correct.

"Let film return to its essence."

It was Cao Yang who chose the slogan for this film festival, and Dieter Kosslick tacitly accepted it without objection. In fact, to support Cao Yang, he even shouted the slogan at the film festival.

Cao Yang set this slogan in order to reduce the influence of "political correctness"—your political correctness is not my political correctness.

The film "Others" is a relatively suitable example.

After hanging up the phone with Wang Quan'an, Cao Yang thought for a moment, still a little confused about his meaning.

From Wang Quan's words, we can understand that he already knew that "Tuya's Marriage" would not win the Golden Bear Award. So what was the purpose of his apology and repentance?
Is it to build a good relationship with oneself?

"Ma Jingwu..."

Those who don't know him might think that this old gentleman isn't as famous as Cui Xinqin, the class teacher of the 96 star class, but those who know the inside story know that Ma Jingwu is by no means simple.

Ma Jingwu was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy in 1956, becoming one of the first undergraduate students in the acting department.

After graduating in 1960, he stayed on to teach at the university, and served as the head teacher of the 78 acting teacher training class and the 87 acting undergraduate class.

Two relatively famous teachers emerged from the 78 acting teacher training class: Liu Zhizi and Cui Xinqin.

That's right, Ma Jingwu is Cui Xinqin's teacher.

Ma Jingwu's 87 undergraduate acting class also produced many stars, such as Zhang Jiayi, Liu Yijun, Zhang Zijian, Xing Minshan, Kong Lin, Qian Yanqiu, and Hu Xiaoguang.

Of course, Wang Quan'an is also among them. Wang Quan'an was also a student in the 87 undergraduate class of performing arts.

In addition to the teacher training class, there was also an undergraduate class of 1978 in the performance class, and Ma Jingwu also taught their performance classes.

Among the more famous members of this 78 undergraduate acting class are Zhang Fengyi, Zhang Tielin, Xie Yuan, Zhou Lijing, Fang Shu, Liu Jia, and Shen Danping.

It can be said that Ma Jingwu holds a very high position in the acting department and is considered a figure with many students in the film and television industry.

Cao Yang pondered the meaning of Wang Quan's case, feeling that he couldn't quite understand it for the time being.

In the phone call, Wang Quan'an mentioned that he had called Ma Jingwu and told him about his help to him. In other words, Wang Quan'an told Ma Jingwu that he could help him get the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Once Ma Jingwu learned of this, it meant that all the relevant school leaders would also know.

"Should this be considered a gesture of goodwill?"

Cao Yang couldn't help but think.

Wang Quan'an's phone call to Ma Jingwu meant that he had helped him, and that Ma Jingwu was not willing to just win the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award, but instead chose to aim for the Golden Bear.

He has failed now.

If no one exposes this matter, no one will dare to criticize Cao Yang on the surface, but what about behind the scenes?
Will some people grumble, "You're a director with international influence, and you're the chairman of the jury, yet you haven't fought for any awards for your school's graduates?"
You're still the face of Beijing Film Academy.

Many people believe that you have become the spiritual leader of Beijing Film Academy.

That's it?

Can't even get an award?

Now that Wang Quan's phone call to Ma Jingwu has silenced any criticism of Cao Yang, saving a lot of trouble.

Is she trying to please herself for the sake of the future?
With too little information, Cao Yang was unable to ascertain the full purpose behind Wang Quan's actions.

It wasn't until evening that Cao Yang understood Wang Quan's purpose in doing this.

In the hotel room, Cao Yang looked at Yu Nan with a furrowed brow.

"Didn't you say on the phone that you and Wang Quan'an were going back to China and were coming to say goodbye? Where is Wang Quan'an?"

If they haven't received a notice to stay, then there's no point in staying; most film crews will choose to return home.

Cao Yang thought that Wang Quan and the others would also choose to return to China. Since Yu Nan called to say goodbye, as an alumnus of the Beijing Film Academy, he should definitely give him face.

But in the end, only Yu Nan came; Wang Quan'an was nowhere to be seen!

What is this thing called?

Cao Yang's tone was a bit harsh: "Are you two trying to use your femininity to seduce me?"

Or have I misjudged you? Are you trying to play the field with me behind Wang Quan's back?

Although this kind of thing is quite common in the film and television industry, you are Yu Nan, and I have a pretty good impression of you.

It's not that I'm attracted to you, but rather that you hardly do any marketing or hype, your acting skills are quite good, and you have very few scandals. These are very rare and admirable qualities for an actress.

Please don't let me misjudge you, Yu Nan.

"I'm sorry, Director Cao, I lied to you."

After Yu Nan entered, he didn't make any unnecessary movements. He just stood at the door with his head down, looking very depressed. "What exactly happened?" Cao Yang asked.

Yu Nan remained silent for a while, and just as Cao Yang was getting a little impatient, she pursed her lips and said:

"I'm sorry, Director Cao. Actually, it was Wang Quan's case that sent me here, but he told me to say that I came without telling him."

After saying this, Yu Nan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, as if a burden had been lifted, and his tone became much calmer.

He said that if he came to ask you for help, it wouldn't be effective because he had previously refused your kindness. So he asked me to ask you for help instead, and told me not to say it was his idea, but to say that I came on my own.

He said that since you were willing to give me the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award, you must have a very good impression of me, so he asked me to beg you to give "Tuya's Marriage" a prestigious award.

He also knew that the prestigious awards had probably already been decided, so if that wasn't possible, he'd settle for a special jury prize if he could.

After saying this, Yu Nan lowered her head again. To this day, she still can't understand why the person who asked her to do this was actually her boyfriend of eight years!
Even if we take a step back and assume, the person making a woman beg a man late at night, and the one making her do this, is her boyfriend...

Is it really okay to do this?
Yu Nan is still a little dazed.

Before she came, she had made up her mind that this was the last thing she would do for Wang Quan's case, in order to repay him for his care over the past eight years.

She entered the entertainment industry during her junior year of college and has witnessed its bizarre and unbelievable aspects.

To be honest, she has always been grateful for Wang Quan's case.

If it weren't for Wang Quan'an bringing her into the industry, and if it weren't for Wang Quan'an taking care of her, she felt that with her personality, she would have been unable to survive in the entertainment industry long ago.

Cao Yang finally understood the purpose of Wang Quan's phone call today.

Is this a way to first give himself a good impression that he has already given in, and then have Yu Nan add fuel to the fire at night so that it will be easier for him to get the jury's special award?
The Jury Special Award, also known as the Jury Prize, is the consolation prize that Cao Yang had Li Yu choose.

Li Yu chose to support Jiang Yiyan instead of accepting the jury award.

Of course, in Cao Yang's view, this is a consolation prize. Although it is one word less than the Grand Jury Prize, the significance of the award is completely different.

However, for Wang Quan'an, who already knew he wouldn't win any awards, this Jury Prize was the best option if he couldn't get other prestigious awards.

The Jury Prize also includes a Silver Bear. For those unfamiliar with this award in China, apart from the Gold Bear, the Silver Bears are all pretty much the same.

After all, these are awards from the Berlin Film Festival, one of the three major European film festivals, so they are highly prestigious and easy to manipulate.

We'll call this award the Jury Special Award; that sounds pretty prestigious.

"what are you thinking?"

Cao Yang was filled with emotion; this was the reason why he had always been unwilling to serve as the chairman of the jury at the three major European film festivals.

Cao Yang had been invited to participate in the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival more than once, but he declined each time.

If it weren't for wanting to cultivate a good relationship with the Berlin Film Festival so he could have a chance to win the Golden Bear and become the fourth director in the world to achieve a Grand Slam, he would never have become the president of this damn jury.

"I've said everything I needed to say and conveyed all my messages. The rest is none of my business."

Yu Nan said softly.

Is everything alright?

Cao Yang understood the other meaning.

It seems their relationship is coming to an end.

Ah, fame and fortune.

From the moment Wang Quan's case became so eager to win the Golden Bear, it's likely that the two of them could never go back to what they were like before.

Well, it's good to realize it sooner rather than later. It's much better than getting pregnant in two years and then being cheated on and dumped by him.

This can be considered a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

"There will be no jury prize this year."

Cao Yang refused outright.

If you want this award, you can just say so, but you've secretly plotted against me and still want the award?

Think beautiful!
"Okay, Director Cao, I will talk to him. Thank you."

Yu Nanchong and Cao Yang bowed.

I rely on!

What are you doing?

Cao Yang quickly went over to help Yu Nan up, and said with a wry smile, "Although we are in different departments, you are still my senior. What are you doing?"

Yu Nan gave a slightly awkward smile and said, "Anyway, thank you."

After saying that, he opened the door and left.

Why are you thanking me?
I was going to thank you for the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award?

Thank me for letting you see the man you've been in love with for eight years clearly?
Thank you for not making things difficult for you?
Ok?
Cao Yang suddenly realized.

Was she really thanking me for not making things difficult for her?

Could the Wang Quan case really have that kind of meaning?
Oh shit!

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. These kinds of things don't stand up to scrutiny.

February 18, 2007, was the Chinese New Year and also the last day of the 57th Berlin International Film Festival, with the awards ceremony to be held that evening.

The crew of "Apple" received a notice to stay on the set, and the entire crew cheered with joy. In any case, being notified to stay meant they could at least win an award.

After Yu Nan returned yesterday, he didn't mention Cao Yang's direct refusal. Instead, he told Wang Quan'an that all the awards for this year had already been decided, and there was no way to add a special jury prize.

After listening, Wang Quan remained silent for a long time, and finally slapped his thigh hard in frustration.

He waited all day on the 18th, but no miracle happened, and no one told him to stay.

Furthermore, he learned that the "Apple" crew had been invited to stay, which made him even more frustrated.

He didn't know who to blame.

This matter certainly cannot be blamed on Cao Yang. Cao Yang had made it clear to him that he could have won the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival for "Tuya's Marriage," but he voluntarily gave it up.

Of course, he wouldn't blame himself.

That's the Berlin Golden Bear. Even if he only had a 30% chance of winning, let alone a 60% or 70% chance, he might still dare to take the gamble.

A Berlin Golden Bear would be enough to propel him to become one of the best directors in the country.

Didn't you see that Jia Zhangke just won the Venice Golden Lion last year, and this year he can become the principal of the Berlin Film Festival's talent training camp?
A Golden Bear is enough to bring both fame and fortune.

Wang Quan'an also noticed that Yu Nan's condition was not right, but he didn't care and only assumed that Yu Nan was also depressed because he missed the Golden Bear.

Buy a ticket and go home.

He didn't want to stay in this damn place for even a day longer.

At this year's Berlin Film Festival, Dieter Kosslick truly kept his word and did not interfere with Cao Yang's choice.

Even though Cao Yang explicitly told Dieter Kosslick that he wouldn't consider European political correctness and would only care about the quality of the film, Dieter Kosslick didn't say anything.

Perhaps Dieter Koslick was unwilling to conform to Western political correctness and allow World War II films depicting Jewish suffering and German brutality to win awards.

There was nothing that could be done before, but now Cao Yang is making the choice—with Cao Yang's enormous influence, what can his small Berlin Film Festival possibly do?

Perhaps this is just going with the flow.

In choosing the award-winning film, Cao Yang awarded the Jury Prize to the biographical film "La Vie en Rose," which is apolitical.

The film tells the dramatic and legendary 47-year life story of Edith Piaf, a French chanson singer.

Furthermore, the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award was also given to Marion Cotillard, the lead actress in "La Vie en Rose".

Cao Yang recalls that Marion Cotillard also won the Best Actress Oscar next year for this film.

The Best Director award went to Christian Petzold, director of "Yela," a film considered experimental in nature.

Okay, whether it's a biographical film or an experimental film, it's all "politically correct" for Cao Yang because he's made biographical films before, and most of the films he makes now are still labeled as experimental films.

(End of this chapter)