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Chapter 158

"Do you want to accept it?"

I want to, but I don't want to.

Li Jun said honestly.

"I think it's because it's a rare learning opportunity."

I don't want to because I'm afraid of losing my direction. Big Hollywood productions can easily make people lose their way.

"Then go in your direction."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Xiao Jun, now that you have the resources, you can cooperate according to your own wishes."

You can say to Villeneuve:

I am willing to collaborate, but I want to retain the creative voice in incorporating Chinese elements.

If he agrees, then we'll cooperate.

If you disagree, then don't cooperate.

Li Jun looked at her and smiled: "That's what I think too."

The two clinked glasses, and tiny bubbles rose in the champagne, much like their current mood—light yet full.

In the distance, the lights of the cinema palace shimmered in the night. This temple of cinema has witnessed the birth and realization of countless dreams.

And at this moment, he is here too.

With his films, his stories, and his perseverance.

To be seen by the world.

On the afternoon of the third day, Li Jun met Almodóvar at the rooftop café of the Carlton Hotel.

The Spanish director, 64 years old, wore his signature floral shirt and colorful-rimmed glasses. His hair was gray, but he was in good spirits.

He sat in the shade of a palm tree with a cup of Spanish coffee in front of him. When he saw Li Jun, he stood up and gave him a warm hug.

"Li! I'm so glad to finally see you!"

Almodóvar's English has a heavy Spanish accent.

"Your film is so beautiful, like a visual poem."

"Thank you, Chairman."

Li Jun sat down opposite him.

Call me Pedro.

Almodóvar waved his hand.

"In Cannes, I was the chairman of the jury."

But here, I'm just a director who loves movies.

The waiter brought coffee.

Almodóvar added two sugar cubes and stirred slowly.

"I watched your movie and was deeply moved."

He said.

"Especially that kind of Eastern-style reserve and restraint."

In my films, emotions are often outward and intense.

But in your films, the emotions are restrained, like a deep current. That's very interesting.

"Eastern and Western cultures express emotions in different ways."

Li Jun said.

"Eastern culture values ​​leaving blank spaces and creating atmosphere; many things don't need to be explained, but left for the audience to experience on their own."

"Yes, that's what interests me."

Almodóvar's eyes lit up.

"There are many silent moments in your films."

Those shots without dialogue, those moments when characters look at each other, those empty shots—

These silences are more powerful than any words.

He paused for a moment: "During the jury discussion, I said that this film reminds us what the essence of film is. It is not the story, not the technique, but the emotion, the universal human emotion."

In your film, the love between Lin Shen and Wanrong, their deep affection for each other amidst chaos, transcends cultural boundaries and directly touches the heart.

Li Jun was very moved.

To be understood by a master like Almodóvar is the greatest affirmation for him.

"Pedro, I have a question for you."

Li Jun said.

"As a director, how do you find a balance between commercial success and artistic merit?"

How can one stay true to oneself while also gaining acceptance from the audience?

Almodóvar laughed: "This is an eternal question."

My answer is: Don't think about balance, think about expression.

First, make the movies you want to make. Truly good movies will naturally resonate with the audience's sincerity. Commercial success is a result, not the goal.

He took a sip of coffee: "You see my films, many of which are considered eccentric or fringe in Spain."

But I insist on filming the stories I want to film, about women, about desire, about identity.

Now, these films are being seen all over the world.

"But you must have experienced periods of being misunderstood, right?"

"certainly!"

Almodóvar laughed.

"My early films were heavily criticized by many film critics."

But I didn't give up, because I knew what I was talking about.

Li, you must believe in your own voice.

Your voice is unique, oriental, and poetic.

Maintaining this voice is more important than any award.

The conversation lasted for two hours.

Almodóvar shared his creative philosophy, his understanding of film, and his advice to young directors.

Li Jun benefited greatly.

As he said goodbye, Almodóvar said, "Lee, I hope you can come to the jury next year."

Cannes needs a new perspective, it needs voices from the East.

"I will seriously consider it."

Li Jun said.

Stepping out of the hotel, the sun was shining brightly.

Li Jun walked slowly along Boulevard Croisette, the shadows of palm trees swaying on him.

He recalled Almodóvar's words: "Trust your own voice."

Yes, that's what he's been doing all these years.

Remain quiet amidst the noise, remain sincere amidst the glitz and glamour, and uphold art amidst the tide of commerce.

And all of this was finally seen.

My phone vibrated; it was an overseas call from Su Xiao in Beijing.

"Director Li! How's Cannes?" Su Xiao's voice was excited.

"Very good. The screening was a great success, and the media reviews were very positive."

"Great news! I also have good news on my end. The rough cut of 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' is finished."

Mr. Wang showed the document to several international buyers, and two companies expressed their willingness to pre-purchase the issuance rights!

"So fast?"

"Yes! One is a French company, and the other is a Japanese company."

Although the price wasn't high, it at least shows the film has international potential!

Su Xiao paused.

"Director Li, thank you. This movie wouldn't have been possible without you."

"It's your own talent."

Li Jun said.

"Wait for me to get back, then we'll do the post-production together."

"Okay! I'll wait for you!"

After hanging up the phone, Li Jun continued walking forward.

I passed by a movie theater, and there was a poster for "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" on the door.

Some audience members lined up to buy tickets, while film critics took photos in front of the posters.

He stood at a distance and watched for a while, but did not approach.

At that moment, he suddenly understood the meaning of film.

These strangers came together because of his film, and were moved and inspired.

As Almodóvar said: It is a universal human emotion.

In the evening, Zhang Liangying held a mini-concert in Cannes.

The venue is a concert hall converted from a small chapel near the cinema, which can accommodate two hundred people.

She sang several songs from her new album "Between Sound and Shadow," including "Ink Traces," written for "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers," and "Return Journey," written for Li Jun.

Li Jun sat in the first row, watching her stand on the stage, a spotlight shining on her.

She wore a simple white dress and sang and played the guitar herself, without any accompaniment.

When she sang "Homecoming", she met Li Jun: "I have traveled thousands of miles and seen the world's hustle and bustle."

The warmest place isn't the distance, but the crossroads where the well awaits me.

Light and shadow may fade, sound waves may dissipate, but some memories are etched in time and will never leave.

Her voice was clear and affectionate, echoing in the ancient church space.

Many audience members listened with their eyes closed, some wiping away tears.

The applause lasted for a long time after the concert concluded. French media commented: "Zhang Liangying's voice possesses both Eastern ethereal quality and perfect control of Western technique. She is a true international-level sound artist."

It was already late at night when I got back to Jiudian.

The two stood on the balcony, looking at Cannes in the night.

"What did Almodóvar talk to Don about today?" Zhang Liangying asked.

"Let's talk about movies, creative processes, and how to stand up for our own voice."

Li Jun said.

"He invited me to join the jury next year."

"Will you go to the donburi?"

"Maybe."

But I need to finish what I'm currently working on: the post-production of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" and the New Sprouts Pictures project.

Zhang Liangying smiled: "Doing what Jing wants to do."

Two embraces, in the night breeze of Cannes, amidst the sound of the Mediterranean waves.

At first glance, the lights in the cinema were still on. There, movies were still being shown, and dreams were still continuing.

And in this city of movies, on this night, they found each other and found the strength to move forward.

The film festival entered its tenth day, culminating in the closing ceremony and awards presentation.

Li Jun, as the director of the opening film of the "Un Certain Regard" section, was arranged to appear in the middle of the red carpet.

Today he was wearing a formal black suit, and Zhang Liangying was holding his arm as they walked the red carpet together.

The flashbulbs kept going off, and the reporters remained enthusiastic.

But Li Jun was much calmer than he was at the opening ceremony.

Everything that needed to be done has been done, and everything that needed to be expressed has been expressed. The rest is up to the judging panel.

Upon entering the cinema's main hall, the atmosphere was even more tense than during the opening ceremony.

Everyone knew that the next two hours would determine the fate of many.

The awards for the "Un Certain Regard" category will be presented first.

The Best Picture award went to a Lebanese film, the Best Actress award went to a Brazilian actress, and the Jury Special Prize went to a Polish film.

Li Jun watched quietly and clapped.

I wasn't disappointed, because all of these movies were excellent.

Then comes the Best Actor award.

The award presenter read out the name: "Qin Hailu, 'Mountains Embrace Dreams,' China!"

There was thunderous applause.

Qin Hailu was stunned until Xie Tingfeng nudged her, at which point she came to her senses and stood up.

She was wearing an elegant cheongsam today, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

As she walked onto the stage and accepted the trophy, she choked up and said, "Thank you to the jury, thank you to the Cannes Film Festival."

This award is not only for me, but for the character Wanrong, and for all the women who have silently persevered throughout history.

Thank you, Li Junling, for creating this character.

Thank you, Xie Tingfeng, for walking this journey with me.

Finally, thank you to the film for allowing us to record those things that should not be forgotten.

The applause lasted a long time as she bowed and stepped down from the stage.

Li Jun applauded from below the stage, feeling very gratified.

Qin Hailu deserves this award; her performance was delicate and powerful, bringing Wanrong to life.

Next up is the main track competition segment.

Awards were announced one by one: Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Leading Actor —

Finally, the highest prize is the Palme d'Or.

The award presenter was Almodóvar, the chairman of this year's jury.

The winner of the Palme d'Or at the 67th Cannes Film Festival is—

Almodóvar opened the seal, glanced at it, and smiled.

"The Eternal Gate," Russia.

Applause broke out, but it was somewhat unexpected.

Several of the previously predicted hit films failed to win awards, making this dark horse stand out from the crowd.

After the awards ceremony, there was an official dinner. Li Jun received many congratulations for Qin Hailu's award.

"Li Ling, an actress from the film 'Donburi,' won an award, and Jing Ling's performance deserves much credit."

A French filmmaker said.

"It was Teacher Qin's own excellent performance," Li Jun said modestly.

Halfway through the dinner, Almodóvar came over.

"Li, I'm sorry I couldn't give you the prize in the main tournament."

He said.

"But Un Certain Regard's opening film and Best Actor award is already a huge recognition."

"It's already very good."

"7

Li Jun said sincerely.

"Teacher Qin was even happier to receive the award than I was to receive it myself."

"You are a generous actor."

Almodóvar patted him on the shoulder.

"We need to seriously consider the jury for next year. Cannes needs vision like Jing's."

"I will."

After the banquet, Li Jun and Zhang Liangying walked out of the cinema.

The nights in Shana are lively, with groups celebrating in the streets and music coming from the bars.

Instead of returning to the hotel, they took a walk along the beach.

The Mediterranean Sea shimmered under the moonlight. Occasionally, the lights of yachts would appear like fleeting stars.

Li Jun said.

"Liangying, I'm wondering, what exactly is a movie? Is it awards? Is it box office success? Or something else entirely?"

"Films are what Jing wants to say through the lens."

Zhang Liangying said.

Awards and box office results are just responses to what others say to you. What matters is that you said it, and you said it sincerely.

"Was what I said sincere?"

"Very sincere."

Zhang Liangying held his hand.

"That's why so many people were moved, that's why Teacher Qin was able to win the award, and that's why Almodóvar invited Don to be a judge."

These are all sincere responses to donburi.

Li Jun nodded, his resolve strengthening.

They walked to a bare beach, took off their shoes, and walked barefoot on the sand.

The seawater washed up, and it felt cool.

"Liangying, I've made up my mind."

Li Jun said, "After returning to China, I first completed the post-production of 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains'."

Afterwards, if Villeneuve's invitation terms are suitable, I can work with him.

But the premise is that I want to retain the creative discourse power regarding Chinese elements.

"it is good."

Zhang Liangying smiled.

"Also, Shinya Eifu should continue to work on it."

Gai Xiao is very talented and can be trained to become one of our contracted performers.

We should give full support to young talents like Lin Mo and Gai Pi.

Li Jun paused.

"I want to create a support program for independent films in China, similar to the kind of support program that focuses on Cannes," to give opportunities to talented newcomers.

"That would cost a lot of money."

"I can take on some commercial projects to make money and support these art projects."

Li Jun said.

"Just like many actors and performers do. They use commercial means to support their art and mainstream means to support the marginal."

"That's a good idea."

Zhang Liangying nodded.

"I will also support donburi."

My studio can produce film sound bricks and host cross-disciplinary art events.

Let's work together to build this ecosystem.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long on the beach, intertwining together.

At first glance, the Palais des Festivals in Cannes was still brightly lit.

The festivities in this film city continue, but for them, the film festival is over.

"I'm going back to China tomorrow," Zhang Liangying said.

"Yes. I'm going back now; there's still a lot to do."

Zhang Liangying leaned on his shoulder.

"There's donburi, there's me, there's a movie, there's a soundtrack. That's enough."

7

The seawater surged up in waves, then receded.

Like time, like memory, like all things that come and go, and come and go.

But some things will remain, like those moments frozen on film, like the emotions condensed in songs.

Like right now, on this remote French beach, two Chinese filmmakers are making a promise about the future.

They stood there for a long time, until late at night.

Then, hand in hand, they walked back to Jiudian.