Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 458 Good Things
As the president of the Berlin Film Festival, Dieter Kosslick had mixed feelings about Cao Yang bringing a new film to the festival.

On the one hand, the influence and attention of the Berlin Film Festival have been declining in recent years, which is due to the overall environment and cannot be easily changed.

All he could do was try his best to invite some influential directors and stars to Berlin to increase attention.

Cao Yang is undoubtedly the most influential director at present.

Especially after the global success of "Joker," it's safe to say that Cao Yang's visit to Berlin would definitely raise the city's profile by an order of magnitude, attracting many celebrities who wouldn't normally come.

On the other hand, Dieter Koslick was also afraid of Cao Yang's arrival.

Cao Yang's purpose in coming to the Berlin Film Festival for the past two years has been very clear: to win the Golden Bear. This is common knowledge.

However, although many people in Europe and America know Cao Yang, especially in small gatherings where they seem to be good friends, they are not happy about him winning the Golden Bear and becoming a triple gold medalist.

In particular, some old-school directors from Europe and America always believe that white supremacy means it's impossible for a person of Asian descent to easily win the triple crown of gold medals.

These people are not isolated individuals; they are all backed by complex chains of interests and various forces.

In the past two years, Dieter Koslick has faced numerous obstacles and "threats" from these people, which is also the biggest obstacle for Cao Yang to win three gold medals.

Of course, privately speaking, Dieter Koslick didn't really want Cao Yang to win the Golden Bear so early either.

His ideal scenario is that Cao Yang will continue to bring new works to Berlin until the last year of his tenure at the Berlin Film Festival. He vowed to withstand all pressure and help Cao Yang achieve his goal.

However, such a situation is absolutely impossible.

He could sense that if Cao Yang didn't win the Golden Bear, he would never come to Berlin again.

This is the situation that Dieter Kosslick least wants to face.

When Dieter Koslick learned that Cao Yang was coming to Berlin this year, he was no happier than Xie Fei was when he learned that Lao Chen was going to compete for the Berlin Grand Prix.

However, to Dieter Kosslick's surprise, the German government hinted that he need not worry about pressure from other countries' officials.

This reduced the pressure on Dieter Koslick by at least a third. He was genuinely afraid of those old-school people and forces who could persuade the official level to exert pressure.

This is not impossible, but rather something with a high probability of happening.

It's important to know that in Europe and America, many big-name directors are good friends and guests of honor with politicians, and the forces behind them have intricate connections with politicians from all sides.

This is an inevitable result of the system, and also an inevitable result of elected politicians' enthusiasm for befriending various celebrities.

With one-third less of the obstacles, Dieter Kosslick had more ideas.

Could we take this opportunity to secure some support for the Berlin Film Festival?

Of course, we need to test the waters again to see just how much pressure there is and whether it's worth the gamble.

So he called Cao Yang and told him to keep a low profile and come to Berlin later. As for the fact that this would cause Berlin to receive less attention... for the long term, none of that mattered.

Dieter Koslick did something else: he had his people support Cao Yang's "Like Father, Like Son" at the jury meeting, just to test what other pressures were there.

However, things took another unexpected turn.

Surprisingly, the pressure didn't materialize as expected when he had set out a test for someone with ulterior motives!

Dieter Kosslick sat in his office, deep in thought. Was he being too low-key?
"The premiere?"

The limited feedback from this initial attempt spurred Dieter Koslick to make a bold decision: tomorrow's premiere would not only be held, but would be a grand affair.

He refused to believe that those people wouldn't jump out.

Do we have to wait until it's a fait accompli?

The film "Like Father, Like Son" premiered on the 13th.

This premiere was anything but low-key.

Previously, due to the need to keep a low profile, the official plan for "Like Father, Like Son" was to be held in a small hall with fewer than 100 people.

However, due to a "malfunction" in the projection equipment in this small hall, all the audience members who had already bought tickets were urgently notified that "Like Father, Like Son" would premiere at the Cinema Palace.

The red carpet stretched from the main screening hall of the Cinematheque all the way to Potsdamer Platz, with many reporters on both sides carrying cameras and microphones. If you didn't know better, you might think that the closing ceremony of the Berlin Film Festival had been brought forward.

All seven members of the judging panel were present.

Dieter Kosslick brought half of his official staff and countless reporters, making no attempt to hide his presence.

This left the crew of "The Silver Empire," who had just arrived to show their support, somewhat shocked.

"Empire of Silver" will be participating in the special screening section of the Berlin Film Festival. Director Yao Shuhua, along with lead actors Guo Fucheng, Zhang Tielin, Ding Zhicheng, and Lei Zhenyu, have only recently arrived in Berlin. However, lead actress Hao Lei did not come to Berlin.

"Isn't that the film festival president? Are you sure this isn't a case of the film festival's awards ceremony being moved up?"

Ding Zhicheng whispered to Zhang Tielin beside him.

"Nonsense, it's definitely impossible to do it ahead of time."

Zhang Tielin's eyes widened, filled with envy for the grand spectacle, and he muttered, "But this is almost like an awards ceremony."

"Director Cao has more influence."

Ding Zhicheng sighed.

"Of course, he's Professor Situ's last disciple, the face of our Beijing Film Academy."

Zhang Tielin said softly, with a sense of pride.

He was also a student in the 78 class of Beijing Film Academy, but he was in the acting class.

Guo Fucheng looked around curiously, then said to director Yao Shuhua next to him, "The Berlin Film Festival is really giving Director Cao a lot of face. Even if Director Stephen came, it wouldn't be this level of treatment, right?"

The director Stephen he was referring to is Steven Spielberg, except that in Hong Kong, "Steven" is translated as "Stephen".

Yao Shuhua spent many years in the United States. She used to work in stage plays and hosted many plays, so she has a wealth of theatrical experience. "Empire of Silver" is her first film as a director.

Since he's based in the US and works in stage plays related to film, he's naturally aware of Cao Yang's influence in Hollywood.

"You're wrong. Stephen won't do it. I doubt any Hollywood director could do it."

She glanced at Cao Yang, who was chatting and laughing with the Berlin Film Festival chairman, and said with certainty.

"Huh? Really? Stephen's influence can't be less than Director Cao's, can it?"

Guo Fucheng said with some disbelief.

"If we only consider influence, Steven and Director Cao might be about the same, but where is this? This is the Berlin Film Festival, one of the three major European film festivals, and one of the highest halls of art films in the world."

In the realm of art-house films, very few directors currently active can rival Director Cao's influence.

Yao Shuhua explained.

She glanced at Aaron Kwok, who seemed somewhat skeptical. She couldn't help but shake her head; this Hong Kong superstar had clearly elevated the influence of commercial films.

This idea isn't wrong, at least not in Hollywood or Hong Kong.

However, in the three major European film studios, due to their different focuses, how can the importance of commercial film directors be compared to that of art-house film directors?
Moreover, director Cao Yang has a huge influence in the field of art films, and he also has a huge influence in the field of commercial films.

"How many directors in the world do you think can pull off an art film grossing $15 billion worldwide?"

Yao Shuhua reminded her softly.

Guo Fucheng nodded thoughtfully.

He knew before that Cao Yang was very influential and the most influential director among Chinese people, but he only had a vague idea of ​​exactly how influential he was.

It should be around the same time as John Woo's peak period in Hollywood? Or even a bit bigger.

Despite his later failures, John Woo was once a top Hollywood director at his peak, working with some of the hottest stars in Hollywood at the time.

Actors like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Nicolas Cage, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Ben Affleck, among others.

Despite Guo Fucheng's outward calm demeanor, he was deeply shaken by Yao Shuhua's words.

According to Yao Shuhua, Cao Yang's overall influence was even higher than Steven Spielberg's. How could this not shock Guo Fucheng?

I never imagined that mainland Chinese... well, Chinese people could also reach such a "high position" in Hollywood.

In fact, it's not surprising that Aaron Kwok thought this way, nor was it because he "looked down on" Cao Yang. Rather, it was just the general environment in Hong Kong at that time, where the media selectively reported on things without much objectivity.

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been so many traitors later on, and such a huge commotion wouldn't have occurred.

A few Hong Kong stars, such as Aaron Kwok, Lai Ming, and Leung Ka-fai, are quite friendly to the mainland. They are not the kind of people who only act "friendly" because they want to develop their careers in the mainland.

"Dieter, why did you suddenly change your mind? Didn't you say you wanted to keep a low profile?"

After the movie started, Cao Yang and Dieter Koslick found a quiet corner and began to talk.

"Haha, Cao, the film festival ends the day after tomorrow. We kept a low profile before to avoid too much resistance, but now we're not keeping a low profile anymore, to promote your film."

Dieter Koslick had already come up with a reason, and said to Cao Yang with a smile.

"Okay, do whatever you think is best for the operation, and I will fully cooperate with you."

Cao Yang nodded, as if acknowledging Dieter Koslick's words.

Then, he smiled and looked at Dieter Koslick, saying, "Dieter, you know, I'm not that concerned about winning the Golden Bear right now, and I'm not even that eager for the three Grand Slam titles."

“Really? Hearing you say that makes me feel much less stressed,” Dieter Koslick joked.

“You really don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself, Dieter. I can wait until you’re free of pressure. I’ve already figured out how to relieve your stress, and it seems quite feasible.”

Cao Yang's tone didn't sound like he was joking; it sounded like he genuinely cared about Dieter Koslick.

“Oh?” Dieter Koslick looked at him questioningly.

"I could stop coming to Berlin and go to Venice or Cannes, or both."

If I win a few more major awards in Venice or Cannes, like I already have two Venice Golden Lions, what if I break records and win three, four, or even five or more?

You're saying the pressure is being put on Venice? Then you do the same thing in Cannes, and the pressure will definitely be reduced, right?

"Uh!"

Dieter Koslick opened his mouth, looking a little anxious, a little annoyed, and a little bewildered.

Yes, Cao Yang's method can alleviate the pressure on Berlin, but it's trying to force me, the film festival chairman, to step down!

Dieter Koslick was certain that if Cao Yang did this, he would definitely be ousted, and the new chairman's first priority might be to repair the relationship with Cao Yang in order to give him a Golden Bear!
As for why the next chairman didn't choose a direct confrontation...

If Cao Yang really wins three or four Golden Lions at the Venice Film Festival, coupled with his achievements in the commercial film industry, would a triple crown be considered an honor for a director like him?

It's hard to say who brought honor to whom.

Dieter Kosslick believes it's a huge joke to say that any other director could win three or four Venice Golden Lions or Cannes Palme d'Ors, but for Cao Yang... it's quite possible.

Dieter Koslick was somewhat frustrated. He had made this show of things today to see how things would go before negotiating with Cao Yang.

But how can we talk now?
"Haha, Dieter, you really don't need to put so much pressure on yourself."

Cao Yang looked at Dieter Koslick and said slowly, "You should have felt it too. There are quite a few people sharing the pressure with you this time. Warner, Disney, Columbia, and others have all contacted me."

Cao Yang didn't say much, he just touched on it briefly.

Dieter Koslick suddenly realized why the pressure was so low this time; he had thought it was because he was keeping a low profile.

Thinking back on his previous actions, Dieter Koslick couldn't help but laugh. It turned out that his "testing" all along, and the conditions he had hoped to negotiate under this opportunity, were all utterly ridiculous!

There's not much you can do about the individuals and forces behind them who put pressure on you.

But if Warner Bros., Disney, and Columbia Pictures get involved, that's a different story.

Don't be fooled by the fact that these European arthouse film directors look down on Hollywood and speak of it with contempt. The interest groups behind them all have connections and influence in Hollywood.

"Cao, don't worry. Berlin won't care about the doubts and pressure from the outside world. I will withstand all the pressure and do my best to create a fair and just environment for the Berlin Film Festival. I promise!"

Dieter Koslick said with certainty.

He seemed to say nothing, yet he also seemed to have said everything.

On the 14th, many people were surprised to find that a movie that had rarely been reported by official media or media outlets related to the government was appearing frequently in today's reports.

Both Premiere and Variety magazines devoted extensive coverage to the film festival in their special editions.

In the program's ratings, "London River" received the highest score, with a rating of 3.0.

The second-ranked film was "Like Father, Like Son," which received a score of 2.9.

The third-ranked film was "Sad Milk," which received a score of 2.8.

Old Chen's performance of "Mei Lanfang" also received a high score, scoring 2.4 points.

The ratings in the festival program cannot be used as a basis for awards. Most of the time, the highest-rated film will not win any awards, because a good film in the eyes of the media is not necessarily a good film in the eyes of the authorities.

Nevertheless, films that receive high scores in the festival's daily publication are almost always among the most anticipated films.

In the afternoon, "Like Father, Like Son" received a call from the authorities, asking them to stay and participate in the film festival's closing ceremony.

If you receive a call asking you to stay, it means you're guaranteed to win a prize.

Old Chen was unusually nervous today.

He considered himself someone who had experienced great things and had won the highest award at Cannes, but as long as he had "something to care about," he inevitably had more expectations.

He waited from morning till night.

I haven't received a call yet.

Has Berlin changed its form?

Sister Hong couldn't help but ask, "Could they invite us to stay via envelope?"

Old Chen didn't say anything, but lit another cigarette, then stubbed it out. He said to Sister Hong in a low voice, "Aren't you the female lead in Cao Yang's film? Ask Cao Yang if there's any news about 'Like Father, Like Son'."

Sister Hong took out her phone, thought for a moment, and instead of making the call in front of Old Chen, she went to the balcony to make the call.

Old Chen opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say anything. He just took out another cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.

Less than a minute later, Sister Hong came in.

Old Chen stubbed out his cigarette again, leaned forward slightly, and asked, "How is it?"

Sister Hong didn't know what expression to wear at that moment, but simply said calmly, "He received the call around 1 p.m...."

Old Chen was stunned for a moment, then stunned again. He rubbed his face with both hands, forcing himself to stay awake, and said, "This is a good thing, a good thing..."

At this moment, he couldn't help but recall what Xie Fei had said a couple of days ago.

"...I'm confident I can get you the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, but the competition for other awards is very fierce, especially for Best Director. I've tried, it's a bit difficult, I'm not confident... You make the choice yourself..."

choose?

Do we even need to choose?

Silver Bear Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution?
what is that?
How can a technical award be worthy of "Mei Lanfang"?
"call……"

Old Chen let out a breath, and suddenly felt that the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution was also an important award. How could such a rare technical award at the three major European film festivals not be important?
Can……

“Um… Lao Chen, I’m one of the female leads in ‘Like Father, Like Son.’ Cao Yang said there’s a possibility I could be nominated for Best Actress, so…”

After hesitating for a moment, Sister Hong decided to tell a white lie; she really wanted to stay.

Cao Yang didn't say that, but Sister Hong thought it was possible. After watching the movie, she suddenly felt that she had definitely performed beyond her usual level, much better than she had ever acted before.

"Oh? Oh, good news, good news..."

(End of this chapter)