Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 252 Opening Ceremony, Clearing the Area

August 5, early morning.

A gentle sea breeze blows across Cannes, and sunlight filters through the thin mist onto the azure coast, creating an increasingly festive atmosphere for the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

The streets and alleys are adorned with gold "CANNES 60" logos, and movie fans have already gathered in front of cafes to discuss the film.

Having just returned from the beach, Liu Yifei hadn't even had time to change out of her canvas shoes when the Chanel brand's public relations team arrived, bringing with them a tight shooting schedule.

The morning included three street photography sessions, two still image recording sessions, and in the afternoon, clothing try-ons and makeup/hair adjustments before the red carpet event.
Wu Chen was shocked when he saw the itinerary, no wonder Liu Yifei had such a sad face when she left.

At 10:00 AM, Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights" officially kicked off this year's Cannes Film Festival, with the press conference held in the Lumière Hall on the third floor of the Palais des Festivals.

As one of the most central screening rooms in Cannes, this venue attracts a large number of international media and industry guests.

Before the silver screen was even raised, the entrance to the theater was already packed with reporters and photographers.

Wu Chen also took time out of his busy schedule to rush to the scene.

Many Chinese people attended, including Chen Kaige, Jia Zhangke, Tsui Hark, Johnnie To, Maggie Cheung, Shu Qi, Gong Li, and Zhang Ziyi, creating an atmosphere that momentarily resembled a "Chinese Film Annual Meeting".

The sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air, and photographers from domestic portal websites even squatted at the main entrance of the theater, unwilling to leave, afraid of missing this rare "family portrait".

"There are so many people from China at Cannes this year, it's a pity that only one Chinese film, Wu Chen, was selected for the main competition!"

"Zhang Yimou did not come."

"I'll try to come when I have time, but I don't know the exact date. The Olympics are more important, and I heard that Venice wants to invite Zhang Yi to be the chairman of the jury. If I go, it will take up some time, so it's normal that I can't come to the opening ceremony."

Not only were Wu Chen and others gathered together to discuss, but the reporters behind the cameras were also buzzing with discussion.

Unfortunately, Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights" offers nothing new for Chinese audiences.

“It’s a bit like ‘In the Mood for Love’,” Gong Li whispered to Maggie Cheung, who smiled awkwardly.

Wu Chen, sitting next to him, heard it too, but didn't say anything. Chen Kaige, Jia Zhangke, and the others also remained silent, clapping quietly after the screening.

Meanwhile, Liu Yifei was still shuttling between the shooting studio and the makeup room under the coordination of Chanel's brand team.

It wasn't until 6 p.m. that they finally returned to their hotel room to prepare for walking the red carpet.

To match the style of "Black Peony," Chanel specially chose a black long dress with a figure-hugging silhouette, a slightly tapered high waist, and a skirt that flares out naturally at the ankles.

The matching earrings are a pair of round freshwater pearl studs, while the neck is adorned with a pink diamond necklace, creating an elegant balance with the curve of the dress neckline.

She wore a pair of custom-made satin high heels, her toes partially hidden.

Her hair wasn't tied up or left loose; instead, it fell naturally over her shoulders.
"How was it?" Liu Yifei stood prettily in front of Wu Chen and the others, her eyes shining.

"Sister Yifei, you're so beautiful!" Li Qin couldn't help but exclaim.

Because Liu Yifei had a Chanel team in charge, the makeup team hired by the production crew only needed to be responsible for Li Qin. However, it was still a bit inferior to the dedicated service from the Chanel team.

A fleeting glint of tears crossed Liu Xiaoli's eyes, followed by a proud nod. "Beautiful, beautiful!"

Wu Chen looked at her, and a string in his heart trembled slightly.

The moment Liu Yifei looked up and smiled gently, he seemed to see her as she was when he first met her. However, compared to Liu Yifei back then, this girl was less childish and more mature and charming.

"Mom, it's such a pity, you're all here but you're not even going to walk the red carpet." Liu Yifei pouted as she got into the car, looking back reluctantly.

"What's the big deal? At my age, it doesn't matter whether I go or not. Go ahead."

Liu Xiaoli smiled and waved, watching the group get into the Cannes organizing committee's car.

At 19:15 p.m., outside the cinema, the golden sky had not yet completely fallen, but the red carpet was already gleaming under the spotlights.

The 60th Cannes International Film Festival has officially begun.

At the entrance to the red carpet, British director Stephen Frears, the chairman of the jury, wearing a black tuxedo, led the members of this year's jury onto the red carpet with a steady gait.

One after another, representatives from the main competition teams arrived, and behind every flash of light was the eager attention of the media and the fashion industry.

At this moment, the reporters suddenly realized that Cannes was being cleared out again.

The main competition venue has already been cleared twice for entry.

"What's going on? Which film crew is here again? Quentin Tarantino's 'Death Proof' and the Coen brothers' 'No Country for Old Men' already cleared the set once, why are they clearing it again?"

"I don't know, which film crew is coming soon?"

"."

Just as everyone's attention turned to the next limousine slowly approaching, the Chinese-speaking reporters' area around the red carpet became excited first:

"It's the 'Black Peony' crew's car!" "They're here!!!"

The black limousine slowly came to a stop in the designated area. The door opened, and Wu Chen stepped out first, dressed in a classic suit with a sharp tailoring.

Then Liu Yifei put her left hand on Wu Chen's arm, carefully lifted her skirt with her right hand, and smiled gently at the reporters on the red carpet, instantly causing a burst of flashbulbs.

Li Qin then stepped out of the car, her champagne red sleeveless dress echoing Liu Yifei's black gown. The three walked side by side onto the red carpet.
"Director Wu, Yifei, look this way."

"Liu Yifei, over here!"

"Li Qin."

The shouts of reporters rose and fell, and the sound of camera shutters clicked in waves.

The crew of "Black Peony" has officially arrived. The Cannes organizing committee has already cleared the area and reserved exclusive time for taking photos at the highest level.
The red carpet emcee also announced over the loudspeaker in a gentle female voice, speaking fluent French-English:

"Next up is Chinese director Wu Chen, winner of Best Director at the 55th Berlin International Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the 59th Cannes Film Festival."
He will be bringing his new film, *Black Peony*, starring rising Chinese actress Liu Yifei. The film will premiere in the main competition section of this year's film festival. Stay tuned!

Applause erupted at the scene, but it was already past midnight in China.

Despite the late hour, major portals such as Sina Entertainment, Tencent Entertainment, and NetEase still opened live streaming windows simultaneously, with countless movie fans waiting in front of their screens for this moment.

"Liu Yifei's haute couture style is absolutely stunning!"

"I have to say, it's quite beautiful and pleasing to the eye, but it's not high-definition enough."

"They cleared the area for filming, that's great treatment!"

The comments section was buzzing with discussion.

Meanwhile, on one side of the guest area, Zhang Ziyi was quietly waiting for the main competition red carpet to end, her gaze subtly fixed on Liu Yifei on the red carpet.

Under the bright spotlight, the black dress was indeed a perfect choice, not only highlighting Liu Yifei's figure but also giving her a radiant aura despite her light makeup.

Her gaze fell on the haute couture gown, the pink diamond necklace, and the handbag.
"This resource"

Her heart skipped a beat.

It's worth noting that in China, only she and Gong Li can enjoy these brand resources, and now it seems there's another person involved.

"Wu Chen's movies still have a huge influence," Zhang Ziyi thought to herself, her fingertips lightly pressing against her knees, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.

The other party's international standing is rising steadily, and correspondingly, the influence of their works is also rapidly increasing.
Once you walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony, there are basically no more surprises; all that's left is the ritualistic process.

The 60th anniversary celebrations included many more events than the previous year, with even the premiere of Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights," which was part of the main competition, scheduled for 11:30 p.m.

On stage, the Cannes organizing committee continued to give speeches interspersed with artistic performances.

Sitting in their seats, Liu Yifei and Li Qin couldn't help but rest their chins on their hands and mutter complaints under their breath.

"Sister Yifei, it's getting a bit boring here."

"I feel so too."

Wu Chen smiled gently, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's go then."

Liu Yifei and Li Qin's eyes widened: "Ah, is that okay?"

"Okay, that's fine, we don't have to be strict about that. But there's a cocktail party and the premiere of 'My Blueberry Nights' later. Would you like to go?"

The two shook their heads; there would be plenty of opportunities to see "My Blueberry Nights" in the next few days.

"That's it."

Wu Chen took the two of them out, and they happened to run into Gong Li, who had just finished smoking, because the smell of a woman's cigarette wafted towards them.
"Director Wu, you're leaving already?"

"Sister Gong Li!" Liu Yifei and Li Qin called out after Wu Chen. Gong Li's gaze fell on Liu Yifei, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

She had noticed it on the red carpet, but seeing it up close still left her feeling quite amazed.

"Socializing at the cocktail party is a bit tiring; I want to go back and rest," Wu Chen replied with a smile.

"Haha!" Faced with Wu Chen's willfulness, she had to admit that Wu Chen had the confidence to do so, as he didn't need to spend so much time on interpersonal relationships.

"By the way, Director Wu, what's the premiere date for 'Black Peony' again?"

"It's the seventh day. We've submitted it too late. Cannes probably won't be able to give us a very early spot!"

"The later release date is a good time!" Gong Li smiled lightly, nodded to the others, and prepared to leave. When he looked back, he saw Wu Chen and Liu Yifei's intimate playful actions, which reminded him of his past self.

"so good"

(End of this chapter)