Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 509 Hoping everyone returns in glory
As night fell over the outskirts of Beijing, the lights of the villa area shone with a special warmth in the quiet winter night.

Wu Chen leaned back on the sofa, phone to his ear, a smile on his face.

"Chairman Han, aren't you coming along?"

"I've already spoken with Director Ming, and we'll arrive before the closing ceremony. We won't be going to the opening ceremony," Han Sanping replied cheerfully.

He was quite emotional when he talked about it.

He wasn't blind to what the authorities were doing, and he naturally saw it all. It was clear that they had different expectations for this year's Berlin tournament.

Thinking of "Reunion" and "1939," he understood.

These two films are of different significance. Whether they win awards or not pales in comparison to these two themes. What is more important is the global exposure and dissemination of the films, and the repeated reports by overseas media. This is the "external publicity value" that the bureau truly expects.

"alright."

Wu Chen responded softly, a smile still on his lips, and casually hung up the phone, glancing at the figure beside him.

Under the warm yellow light, Liu Yifei wore a light-colored loungewear sweater, her long hair loosely draped over her shoulders, and her face looked exceptionally gentle in the glow of the fireplace.

She held an open book in her hands, but wasn't reading it carefully. Her gaze kept falling on Wu Chen, and a faint smile played on her lips.

"I just went to the closing ceremony too, I'm here to cheer you on."

Wu Chen smiled and nodded, then reached out and stroked her hair.

His palms caressed her long hair, the familiar smoothness and fragrance mingling together.

The two were very close, their noses almost touching, and a faint sweet fragrance filled the air.

"Changed shampoo? Why does it smell different?" Wu Chen suddenly said, his tone low and inquisitive.

Liu Yifei was stunned for a moment, picked up a strand of hair, smelled it, and looked up at him with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, no."

“Yes.” Wu Chen frowned. “These unscrupulous merchants probably added some strange ingredients; it’s quite obvious. I’ll go take a look.”

Seeing this, Liu Yifei automatically followed behind, stroking her chin, seemingly still wondering if she had bought the wrong brand.

In the bathroom, after examining the shampoo for a while, Wu Chen turned his gaze to Liu Yifei with a hint of mockery, like a big bad wolf seeing a little white rabbit.

Liu Yifei wasn't stupid; the moment she realized what was happening, she tried to leave the bathroom, but Wu Chen pulled her back.

"Perfect timing, it's about time, let's take a shower."

Immediately afterwards, Liu Yifei's coquettish voice came from the bathroom.

"You big bad guy! What kind of profiteer are you? You're the biggest profiteer of all!"

Wu Chen chuckled softly and responded jokingly:
"I accidentally smelled the wrong thing just now, let me help you wash it."

"No way!"

The sounds gradually faded into the mist and laughter, and the night softened as well.

On the 10th, around 8 a.m., the sky over Beijing was still tinged with the gray and white characteristic of winter.

Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport was brightly lit, with huge electronic screens flashing flight information.

Outside, a cold wind blew, carrying snowflakes, and passengers entering and leaving the hall hunched their shoulders. Only inside the terminal, the heating was on full display, creating a solemn atmosphere.

In the central area of ​​the departure level, the three film crews had already assembled neatly.

Wu Chen brought Zhang Yi and Li Gan, Zhang Yimou brought Sun Honglei and Yan Ni, Wang Quan'an brought Lu Yan, Mo Xiaoqi and screenwriter Jin Na, and Yu Nan, a judge from this year's Berlin Film Festival.

The latter looked rather haggard, clearly not yet recovered from the heartbreak, especially with Wang Quan'an right there.

Because of Ning Hao, Wu Chen made a special trip over to say hello.

Tong Gang and others did not show up, but the liaison team sent by the bureau was present, as were staff members from China Film News.

At the security checkpoint entrance, dozens of media reporters were already waiting, their cameras and microphones neatly lined up.

Flashbulbs went off frequently, and the three groups of people were captured on camera, creating a rare and memorable scene. Under the arrangement of the liaison personnel, the three film crews took turns standing in front of the temporary backdrop at the airport.

The backdrop prominently displays the words "60th Berlin International Film Festival," with posters of three films displayed side-by-side below.

Several representatives of the main creative team were invited to the center to face the camera together.

The staff made a brief announcement:
"Today, three Chinese films are simultaneously departing for Berlin, marking a significant moment for Chinese filmmakers to gather on the world stage. We hope they return with honors."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of reporters' camera shutters exploded.

The members of the three film crews briefly answered a few questions, waved to the media, and then walked toward the security checkpoint one by one.

The camera followed the viewer, capturing the silhouette and the long shadow of the suitcase trailing under the lights.

At this moment, the winter chill of Beijing and the snowy night in Berlin echoed each other from afar.

Three films, three groups of people, carrying the attention of both domestic and international audiences, are about to embark on the same flight to Berlin.

"Wow, this is quite a grand affair. To be honest, this is my first time attending one of the three major film festivals." Zhang Yi followed Wu Chen, glancing back at the media not far away from time to time, with some emotion.

"There will be other opportunities in the future." Wu Chen smiled and patted Zhang Yi on the shoulder, who immediately became quick-witted.

"Director Wu, I need to follow you to have a chance."

"Forehead"

Wu Chen was slightly taken aback, then chuckled, "It's a pity I don't sign artists, but there are still opportunities to collaborate. Let's try to win a Best Actor award. And you, Li Gan, too."

Li Gan was immediately flattered.

"Am I capable, director?"

"If the award were given to our film, you two would both have a chance, but unfortunately the odds of a tie for Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival are quite small."

Wu Chen spoke in a low voice, but Zhang Yi and the others who were close to Wu Chen's crew naturally heard it.

"The probability is relatively low, but with two lead actors, the chances of a tie are higher than for other films."

Zhang Yi said with a light laugh, and both Sun Honglei and Yan Ni had a look of envy in their eyes.

They have no chance of winning an acting award.

Because when Zhang Yimou came, he told them that this time "A Simple Noodle Story" would most likely be a runner-up, and they should just enjoy the natural scenery and treat it as a vacation.
"Hey, the expert is right here. Director Zhang won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1988. It's appropriate to ask him."

Wu Chen smiled and pushed it to Zhang Yi, who chuckled and shook his head.

"Director Zhang, tell us, we're not really curious about whether it's a tie or not. If we win, we're lucky; if we lose, it's fate. We're really curious about when you won the Berlin Golden Bear back then."

Zhang Yi was very good at talking and quickly got the conversation going.

Everyone immediately gathered around.

Recalling the circumstances before "Red Sorghum" won the award, a hint of reminiscence flashed in Zhang Yimou's eyes.

Upon seeing this, Wu Chen immediately understood.

In fact, Berlin and Zhang Yimou have a connection that Cannes and Venice cannot match.

That was the first time a Chinese film had won an award at the Berlin Film Festival.

That award not only changed Zhang Yimou's life, but also marked the beginning of international attention for China's fifth-generation directors, and can be said to be the start of China's fifth-generation directors' appearance on the international stage.

"It was my first time participating, and I didn't know the rules at all. I went sightseeing in East Berlin with a group of Chinese students and didn't get back to the hotel until around 11 p.m.

When the award results were announced, translator Li Dingyi couldn't find us at all. I still remember Mr. Li's very anxious yet excited expression at that time.

While everyone was still at the airport listening to Zhang Yi recount the Golden Bear Award incident from years ago, the news report had already spread online.

The homepages of all major portal websites displayed the same photo:
"Chinese filmmakers set off for Berlin, with three films ready to go!"

(End of this chapter)