Entertainment News: I'm Not a Scumbag After Rebirth!

Chapter 157

"There are even more impressive ones,"

Yuan Tao lowered his voice.

"I've heard rumors that the president of the main competition jury, Almodóvar, really likes your film and might give you a special mention at the awards ceremony."

"real?"

Zhang Liangying's eyes lit up.

"It's still rumored, so it's uncertain."

Yuan Tao said.

"But this is a good omen. Li Jun, you might win an award this time in Cannes."

Li Jun took a deep breath.

The surprise of the Berlin Silver Bear has not yet been fully digested, and the possibility of Cannes is looming ahead.

It all happened so fast, like a dream.

"Don't overthink it, just focus on preparing for tomorrow's screening."

Zhang Liangying held his hand.

"Your film is there, that's enough."

The afternoon reception for Chinese filmmakers was held on the beach terrace of the Carlton Hotel.

Azure sea and sky, white parasols, and a champagne tower sparkling in the sunlight.

Many familiar faces were present, including domestic directors, producers, actors, and media professionals.

People chatted in small groups, exchanged business cards, and discussed their respective films and projects.

As soon as Li Jun appeared, he was surrounded.

The Berlin Silver Bear Award made him a new international calling card for Chinese films, and many people wanted to get to know him and work with him.

"Director Li, congratulations on winning the Berlin Award!"

"Go Cannes, 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'!"

"Director Li, it would be great to have a chance to work together!"

Li Jun responded politely.

He saw several familiar faces:

Jia Zhang was chatting with a French producer, while Wang Xiao was discussing with a film critic.

There were also a few young Chinese directors, standing somewhat reservedly in the corner.

"Director Li!"

A voice came.

Li Jun turned his head and saw Chen Zeshi.

This Hong Kong producer flew to Cannes specifically to support him.

"Mr. Chen, you've arrived."

Li Jun shook hands with him.

"Of course I have to come to such an important occasion."

Kent Chan patted him on the shoulder.

"Xiao Li, you are now the pride of Chinese cinema. Keep up the good work."

As they were talking, a middle-aged French man approached and asked in English, "Excuse me, are you Director Li Jun?"

"it's me."

"I am Pierre, a film critic for Cahiers du Cinéma."

The man handed over his business card.

"I've read 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' and I really like it."

The sound design, in particular, is revolutionary. May I schedule an interview?

Cahiers du Cinéma!

This French film magazine holds a very important position in the film industry, and being interviewed by it is a dream for many directors.

"sure."

Li Jun accepted the business card.

"My assistant will contact you."

After Pierre left, Kent Chan laughed and said, "See? You're an international film star now."

Halfway through the party, Li Jun spotted an unexpected figure: Wang Zhonglei.

He stood alone by the bar, drinking orange juice, looking somewhat forlorn.

"Mr. Wang is here too?"

Li Jun walked over.

Wang Zhonglei turned his head and saw Li Jun.

"Director Li, Cannes is a grand event in the film industry. I want to see how real filmmakers work."

His attitude was very humble, a stark contrast to the flamboyant Wang Zhonglei of the past.

"I brought some materials from 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains'."

Wang Zhonglei took a tablet computer out of his bag.

"I showed it to several international buyers, and the response was good."

A French distribution company has expressed interest and wants to wait until the finished film is released before making a decision.

"Good thing."

Li Jun nodded.

"Does Su Xiao know?"

"I haven't told her yet; I want to wait until I have definite news before I do."

Wang Zhonglei paused.

"Director Li, thank you for giving me this opportunity. Here, I see so many people who truly love film."

"It's not too late to understand now."

Li Jun said.

"Let's work together to make this new sprout thrive."

As the party ended, the setting sun turned the sea golden.

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying strolled along the beach, their bare feet sinking into the soft sand as the waves gently lapped against the shore.

Are you tired?

Zhang Liangying asked.

"A little, but it's worth it."

Li Jun looked at the distant horizon.

"Here, you can feel that film truly is a universal language."

People from different countries and cultures came together because of film to discuss the same things: humanity, emotions, and beauty.

"So you're even more determined now?"

"I'm even more determined now."

Li Jun nodded.

"Movies are not commodities, they are bridges."

Connecting people, connecting the past and the present, connecting China and the world.

Zhang Liangying leaned on his shoulder: "Xiao Jun, I'm so proud of you."

As the sun gradually sank into the sea, the sky changed from golden yellow to orange-red, and then to deep purple.

Night began in Cannes, and the lights of the Palais des Festivals came on, making it look like a glowing castle.

His movie will be screened there tomorrow.

Facing the world.

Li Jun arrived at the cinema at 2:30 pm the next day.

The Debussy Hall is the main screening room for the "Un Certain Regard" section and can accommodate one thousand people.

Long queues had already formed at the entrance, with film critics, media reporters, film industry professionals, and ordinary viewers all waiting to enter.

The poster for "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" scrolled across a giant electronic screen:

Lin Mo's ink painting "The Passerby" is paired with the French film title.

Li Jun was wearing a formal black suit today, without a tie, which made him look casual yet dignified.

Zhang Liangying accompanied him, wearing a light blue cheongsam-style long dress, elegant and poised.

Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu also came from Hong Kong and Beijing, and as the lead actors, they walked the red carpet together.

"Director Li, are you ready?"

Nicholas Tse asked.

He's in great shape today. After winning the Berlin Film Festival award, his acting career has seen a new breakthrough, and he's taken on several profound art films.

"Ready."

Li Jun nodded.

Qin Hailu walked over, his eyes a little red: "I just watched the movie at the hotel, and I was still moved."

Lin Shen and Wanrong seem to have become a part of my life.

"Because you brought them to life."

1

Li Jun said.

At 2:50, they walked onto the red carpet.

Although it wasn't in the main competition, the red carpet for the opening film of "Un Certain Regard" was still highly anticipated.

Flashbulbs went off everywhere, and reporters called out their names in French, English, and Chinese.

"Director Li Jun! Look here!"

"Nicholas Tse! Qin Hailu!"

"Ms. Zhang Liangying!"

Li Jun saw many familiar faces on the red carpet. Villeneuve, as a judge for the main competition, was there and waved to him from afar.

Pierre of Cahiers du Cinéma is taking photos;

Kent Chan and Wang Zhonglei stood behind the media area, cheering him on.

Stepping into the lobby of the cinema palace, the magnificent and opulent interior is truly breathtaking.

A huge crystal chandelier, a red carpet, and huge photos of past Palme d'Or winners hanging on the walls.

The air was filled with a solemn and artistic atmosphere.

"plum!"

A voice came.

Li Jun turned his head and saw Villeneuve.

"Dennis!"

The two embraced.

Congratulations on the opening video.

Villeneuve said.

"I heard the jury gave your film a very high rating."

"Thank you. As a judge, can't you give me some inside information?"

Li Jun was joking.

"cannot."

Villeneuve smiled.

"But I can tell you that President Almodóvar specifically mentioned 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' during the internal meeting of the jury, saying that it is a poetic film with the depth of Eastern philosophy."

This is an important signal.

Almodóvar is a Spanish national treasure director, known for his discerning artistic eye.

Gaining his approval is of great significance.

The screening began at 3:00 PM sharp.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up. First, the official opening sequence of the film festival played, and then the dragon emblem appeared.

The movie begins.

Terraced fields in southern Anhui shrouded in morning mist, egrets flying overhead. The opening sequence is like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Then, in his studio, Lin Shen's brush moved across the rice paper.

Li Jun was sitting in the third row and could hear the breathing of the audience around him.

He was a little nervous, and his palms were sweating.

Zhang Liangying gently held his hand, giving him strength.

When the movie reached the scene where the characters encounter danger in the bamboo forest, a low gasp rippled through the theater.

Qin Hailu fell and pressed his hand on a bamboo stub, from which blood seeped out.

This shot stunned audiences in Berlin and back home, and the same was true in Cannes.

During the scene where the paintings were burned, as the flames slowly consumed the landscape paintings, Li Jun noticed that several members of the judging panel in the front row leaned forward slightly, a sign that they were attracted to the scene.

The final farewell scene, with its two long takes, depicts a silent parting.

The screening room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Li Jun saw some audience members wiping away tears, and others holding their breath.

The entire theater fell silent as the end credits rolled.

Then, applause broke out.

First it was sporadic, then it joined together, and then it turned into thunderous, continuous applause.

The audience stood up, turned to look in the direction of the creative team, and continued to applaud.

The applause lasted for a full five minutes.

When the lights came on, many audience members remained standing in place, as if they hadn't yet emerged from the emotions of the film.

The jury president, Almodóvar, stood up and gave a thumbs-up.

The media group was seated in a small hall at the cinema.

Dozens of international media outlets were gathered there, bombarding them with questions.

"Director Li, the Eastern aesthetics in the film are very prominent. How did you transform the artistic conception of traditional ink painting into cinematic language?"

""

"Through white space, through rhythm, and through the balance of sound and visuals."

Chinese painting emphasizes artistic conception, and movies also need to create artistic conception so that the audience can experience it for themselves.

"The sound design is very unique. Could you talk about the creative concept behind it?"

"We wanted to break away from traditional soundtrack models and use natural sounds—wind, rain, ink, and breathing—to construct the sound world of the film."

Sound is not background; it's another dimension of narrative.

"The love in the film is very restrained, very Eastern. What message are you trying to convey through this expression?"

"Eastern love is often subtle, manifested in daily companionship and steadfast commitment."

The love between Lin Shen and Wan Rong was not a grand vow, but a tacit understanding and support for each other in a chaotic world.

This kind of love is deeper and more enduring.

The group interview lasted for an hour.

Afterwards, Li Jun returned to the hotel, feeling like he had fought a battle; he was physically and mentally exhausted, but his spirits were high.

Yuan Tao was waiting for him in the room, holding a stack of printed social media feedback.

"Li Jun, take a look."

Yuan Tao's voice was trembling.

"Twitter, Facebook, Instagram — all positive reviews!"

Variety just published a review and gave it an A!

This is hailed as the most beautiful film at this year's Cannes Film Festival! The Hollywood Reporter also stated that Li Jun has solidified his status as an internationally acclaimed auteur director!

Li Jun took the printed manuscripts and flipped through them page by page.

French, English, Italian, Spanish —

Although he couldn't understand all the words, he could understand the words of praise and such.

"There are even more powerful ones."

Yuan Tao said.

"I just received word that the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee would like to invite you to be a jury member for next year's main competition!"

Li Jun was stunned: "A judge? Me?"

"Yes! Although it's not an official invitation yet, it's already on the discussion list!"

Yuan Tao said excitedly.

"Li Jun, do you know what this means?"

This means you're not only a recognized filmmaker, but also an authority capable of judging the work of others!

This news is shocking.

Being a judge at Cannes is one of the highest honors in the film industry.

Zhang Yimou did it, Wong Kar-wai did it, and now, he might do it too.

"Don't get excited yet, it hasn't been officially decided."

Li Jun calmed himself down.

"Focus on the task at hand first."

"That's what's right now,"

Yuan Tao flipped through the schedule.

"Tomorrow morning there will be an interview with Cahiers du Cinéma, in the afternoon there will be a live talk on French television, and in the evening there will be an official dinner for the Un Certain Regard section."

The day after tomorrow, President Almodóvar would like to meet with you privately for a chat.

"Almodóvar wants to see me?"

"Yes. His assistant just contacted me and said that the chairman really likes your film and would like to talk to you about Eastern aesthetics."

Li Jun took a deep breath. It all felt like a dream, yet it was real.

In the evening, the official dinner for the "Un Certain Regard" segment was held at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the French Riviera.

An open-air terrace, candlelight, sea breeze, fine wine and food. Directors, producers, and film critics from all over the world gather to talk about movies, art, and life.

Li Jun received many congratulations. An Iranian director approached him and said, "Li, your films remind me of our country's poetry—quiet, profound, and full of metaphors."

A Brazilian female director hugged him: "That kind of female resilience is so moving. Wanrong is the best female character I've seen this year."

Villeneuve also came: "I told you you would succeed. But I didn't expect it to be so soon."

"Thank you for your help," Li Jun said sincerely.

"I didn't help you with anything; it's all thanks to your talent."

Villeneuve said.

"However, there's something I want to ask you. I'm planning to make a science fiction film about time for my next movie. Would you be interested in being a co-producer?"

Like Looper, but this time, you can participate in the creation more.

This is an enticing invitation.

Villeneuve is one of the most sought-after directors in the world today, and working closely with him is a dream for many filmmakers.

"I need time to think about it."

Li Jun said.

"Of course. We can talk more about it after the film festival."

Halfway through the dinner, Li Jun walked alone to the railing of the terrace and looked at the Mediterranean Sea in the night.

The lights of the cruise ships on the sea resembled scattered stars.

Zhang Liangying walked over and handed him a glass of champagne.

"Are you tired?" she asked.

"Tired, but happy."

"6

Li Jun clinked glasses with her.

"Liangying, do you think I should accept Villeneuve's invitation?"

'