Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 521 Triumphant Return Home
Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport.

The February wind blew into the lobby through the glass curtain wall, and the arrival area was already crowded with people.

Banners, flowers, and spotlights were all intertwined.

"Thanks to your help," Zhang Yi said with a smile upon seeing the commotion.

"Director Zhang, or more accurately, Director Wu's light!"

Wang Quan'an smiled, but his eyes held a hint of emotion.

When "Tuya's Marriage" won the Golden Bear last time, the airport reception to celebrate was certainly grand, but it was nothing like this.

At this moment, not only did the State Administration of Radio and Television send a liaison team, but Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, CCTV, and Film News also gathered at the scene;

In addition, more than a dozen portal websites were running cameras and updating in real time.

Some fans who arrived early held up banners that read "Congratulations on '1939'", and security guards maintained order.

"Director Wu Chen, please look this way!"

"Director Zhang Yimou, please look this way!"

"."

The sounds rose and fell, interspersed with the constant clicking of camera flashes.

An interview area was temporarily set up in the arrival hall, with a backdrop that read "The 60th Berlin International Film Festival: Triumphant Return of the Chinese Film Delegation".

The CCTV reporter was the first to hand over the microphone:

"Director Wu, congratulations! You've won both the Golden Bear and the Silver Bear awards. What was your first reaction when you heard the results?"

Wu Chen paused briefly, then spoke in a calm tone:
"It was unexpected, but also an honor. The 60th anniversary of Berlin left behind Chinese images, which is not only a personal achievement for me, but also a moment for Chinese cinema."

The reporter from Film News followed up with, "As the youngest director to have won both the 'Double Bear' award, how do you view being called 'the new banner of Chinese cinema' by the outside world?"

"The title is not important; the film itself is more important. I hope that through '1939,' the audience can remember that era and the courage of our forefathers."

Wu Chen's response was very calm, and the atmosphere in the interview area continued to heat up.

People from official media are very savvy. After asking Wu Chen a few questions, they naturally handed the microphone to two other heavyweight figures present—Han Sanping, chairman of China Film Group, and Ming Zhenjiang, director of August First Film Studio.

"Chairman Han, China Film Group is one of the investors in '1939.' What initially convinced you to support such a film?"

Han Sanping, who had been grinning broadly, now slightly restrained his expression:

"China Film Group has always been a strong supporter of domestic films. When I learned that Wu Chen wanted to make such a film, my first thought was that we had to make it no matter what, no matter how difficult it was."

The expressions on the faces of the nearby media reporters were quite interesting.

Damn, any other production company would be scrambling to get their hands on Wu Chen's films.
"Director Ming, as a co-producer of the film, why did August First Film Studio choose '1939'? What role did August First Film Studio play in the creative process?"

Ming Zhenjiang laughed heartily, his voice booming:

"The August 1st Film Studio has always been known for its military and war-themed films. To be honest, we were all quite surprised when we learned that Director Wu wanted to approach the subject from the perspective of a messenger. Few directors would choose this angle. However, we all agreed that Director Wu's innovation is invaluable and that history should remember them."
We assisted Director Wu by providing a wealth of historical materials and advisory support; this is both the duty and the honor of the August 1st Army.

The reporters in the audience nodded frequently and then asked about the release date.

This was a very important question, and the reporters all looked up at the group.

"Tentatively scheduled for late April, it should coincide with the May Day holiday."

The crews of "Reunion" and "A Simple Noodle Story" were also questioned multiple times. At this point, staff members on site received a signal from the liaison officer of the bureau and stepped forward to interrupt in a timely manner.

"Due to time constraints, please make your own arrangements for subsequent interviews."

As the three film crews slowly walked out of the hall, the news spread quickly.

"The three major Berlin film crews return to China; Wu Chen frankly states that titles are unimportant, the film itself is more important." "China Film Group Chairman Han Sanping: No matter how difficult, '1939' must be made!"

"Ming Zhenjiang, director of the August First Film Studio: History needs to be remembered, and '1939' is our glory!"

"The film '1939' is tentatively scheduled for release in late April, aiming to compete in the May Day holiday period."

The news immediately caused a huge stir in the industry.

For the average viewer, the most eye-catching things are undoubtedly the awards and the red carpet; but in the eyes of the industry, the most crucial thing is that short release date announcement – ​​"1939" will be competing in the May Day holiday period.

For those in the industry, the most important thing is undoubtedly the release date information for "1939".

As soon as the news broke, major production companies pulled out their schedules, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

"The May Day holiday release date? I think 'Ip Man 2' is scheduled for May Day, and I've also heard there are some Hollywood blockbusters that have been shelved."

"With '1939' out there, Hollywood blockbusters will definitely be pulled away, and at most some smaller films will be squeezed in. To be honest, it's a good thing that it's in the same release window as '1939,' at least it won't have to go head-to-head with real imported blockbusters."

"You think you can win by competing with Wu Chen? What's the difference between his film and a Hollywood blockbuster?"

"."

There's an undercurrent of activity within the industry regarding the release date.

Everyone knows that a film's release date can almost determine half of its success.

Like "Avatar," which has once again broken the domestic box office ceiling and has now reached 12 billion yuan, other films released around the same time, such as "Confucius," have struggled to even break 100 million yuan.
Yuen Woo-ping's "True Legend" struggled to even reach 50 million in box office revenue, and its so-called 3D scenes were heavily criticized by audiences.

"Damn it, I shouldn't have believed that. You get what you pay for."

"Wu Chen is going to spend so much money on native 3D stuff, he just knows that cheap films can't capture it. Can this even be called 3D?"

"No wonder the world is saying that Interstellar might be the next Avatar super 3D blockbuster."

The audience's complaints are not without reason.

After returning, Wu Chen was half-pushed and half-dragged by Liu Yifei to watch several popular films during the Spring Festival.

He watched almost everything, including "Hot Summer Days," "Little Big Soldier," "14 Blades," and "True Legend."

"That's terrible."

When Liu Yifei saw Wu Chen still muttering about "Su Qier" after he came out, she couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, alright, if it's not good, it's not good. It's really strange, Yuen Woo-ping is such a great martial arts director, how come the filming is so bad?"
By the way, the audience next to me was just muttering about your film *Interstellar*. How's the preparation going?

"It should be soon. We're in the final debugging stage, and other preparations are also underway."

"1939" is currently just waiting to be released. The publicity and distribution have been handed over to China Film Group, and Wu Chen has shifted all his focus to this blockbuster.

The casting process needs to begin.

"Love is Not Blind?" Wu Chen asked casually.

"Teacher Xue said filming will start next month."

The film "Love is Not Blind" has been officially confirmed, and Starry Night Pictures subsequently announced that filming will begin in March.

Producers: Liu Yifei; Wu Chen; Zhang Lin; Wang Changtian
Director: Xue Xiaolu;

Executive Producer: Xiang Zhuo.
Screenwriter: Bao Jingjing;

Starring: Shu Chang, Luo Jin;
"

(End of this chapter)