Huayu09: Starting with Hijacking Xiao Shenyang

May has arrived.

The opening of the Beijing Liu Laogen Grand Stage, originally scheduled for May 2, has been postponed due to its participation in the Cannes Film Festival.

The invited dignitaries expressed their understanding.

On the 12th, Beijing Airport was packed with people.

The crews of "Spring Fever" and "Black Coal, Thin Ice" traveled to Paris on the same flight.

The former did not receive much media attention.

After all, Lou Ye is a well-established art film director and a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, so it's reasonable for him to be included in the main competition.

Chen Mo's film "Black Coal, Thin Ice" has been making headlines recently, with rumors circulating about the remarks of Zhang Weiping, an investor in the Beijing investment circle. Everyone is waiting for a response from the person involved.

however.

A month has passed, and Chen Mo has remained secluded at home.

The people at Benshan Media were also effectively silenced.

They remained silent on the matter.

The reporters were extremely anxious.

"Mr. Zhao, with 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' entering the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival, was there any possibility of someone else filming it for us? After all, Benshan Media's film style is quite different from 'Black Coal, Thin Ice.' Can you give us an explanation?"

Reporters swarmed in, their cameras and microphones aimed at Zhao Benshan.

Entertainment reporters in 09 were not as professional and naive as they were 10 years ago.

Completely Hong Kong and Taiwan-ized.

Clickbait headlines + sensationalism + paparazzi-like style = a low-budget version of Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment reporters 2.0.

Everything is geared towards generating traffic.

"I swear on Zhao Si's artistic career that Chen Mo was fully responsible for everything from the script to the filming of 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'. Lao Zhang was just someone I sent to assist him."

Zhao Benshan was in a great mood.

He answered these expected questions fluently.

"Teacher Zhao, what's your opinion on Mr. Zhang's defamatory remarks about Chen Mo?"

When one plan failed, the reporter tried another.

Zhao Benshan is the "King of Northeast China," while Zhang Weiping is a bigwig in the Beijing capital circle and the man behind Zhang Yimou.

If news of a falling out between these two were to break out, it would cause a sensation throughout the entire entertainment industry.

Did the King of Northeast China forcefully enter the pass?

Or is it the bigwigs of Beijing's elite circle launching a campaign against the rebellious forces in the north?

This topic is so interesting!

"I was watching standing up." Zhao Benshan made another joke, then replied in a very official tone: "Recently, there has been a lot of drama surrounding my apprentice and President Zhang. I think neither of them is wrong. One is a veteran in the industry who has invested in countless excellent works over the years, bringing audiences unprecedented visual feasts. The other is incredibly talented and will soon bring audiences an unprecedented visual feast. Moreover, we are about to collaborate, so there is no malicious suppression or smear campaign as some people are saying."

The reporters were clearly dissatisfied.

Who wants to watch this kind of mutual flattery that avoids offending either side?

then.

Some reporters have turned their criticism towards Chen Mo.

"Director Chen, how do you evaluate Zhang Weiping's assessment of you? Is it a publicity stunt or a malicious smear campaign?"

An 18-year-old greenhorn could never stand such injustice.

come on.

Dear Director Chen.

Please feel free to speak out and seek justice for yourself.

We can't wait any longer!

"That's how it is..."

Just as Chen Mo was about to answer, Zhao Benshan stopped him.

At the same time, he frantically gave him meaningful glances.

He thought much like the reporter: his young apprentice was still young but exceptionally talented, and it was inevitable that he would become arrogant and disdainful of everyone.

If someone were to give Zhang Weiping a severe dressing-down in front of reporters, would he still want to work in the film industry?

Old Zhao is indeed quite capable, but movies are his weakness. He absolutely cannot afford to offend the bigwigs in the Beijing and Northwest film circles.

There are many intricacies involved here, including resource allocation, recognition by mainstream domestic award ceremonies, and malicious competition.

The most important things are the review and the dragon seal.

To put it bluntly, do you even know who they know?

A junior employee is holding back the approval process.

What will you do?

It all comes down to using connections, but don't the other person have connections?

Most people in this line of work follow in their fathers' footsteps.

As I said before, you can only be patient until you have the strength.

"I know what I'm doing, Master." Chen Mo gave him a reassuring look. "First of all, I respect Mr. Zhang! Secondly, it's normal for Mr. Zhang, as a senior, to give advice to a junior; it's also a source of motivation for me. Finally, I believe that Chinese filmmakers need to unite!"

"The domestic market is indeed very large, but as people's living standards improve, their aesthetic standards also improve at the same time. If our works do not satisfy the audience, the audience will naturally choose Hollywood blockbusters or even Japanese and Korean films."

"As a Chinese-language filmmaker, I hope the quality of our films will continue to improve. Thank you everyone."

Chen Mo spoke softly and was humble in his manner.

The reporters were all stunned.

No one expected that an 18-year-old, hot-blooded new director would back down.

There are no personal grudges, only a broad perspective that overflows from the screen.

The difference is obvious when comparing the two.

After the interview, the crew headed to the boarding gate.

"You little rascal, that's pretty mean of you."

Zhao Benshan said something.

"Hehe, strict teachers produce outstanding students."

Chen Mo expressed his shame and remorse.

"Get lost! I never taught you any of this. Your master has always been upright and honest, unlike you who's so cunning."

Zhao Benshan vehemently denied it.

"Master's wife, Master is bullying me and even said he doesn't recognize me as his disciple anymore."

Chen Mo ran over excitedly to complain.

Zhao Benshan...

Traitor!

You're waiting to go home!

The film crew was still on the plane when the articles from various media outlets were already completed.

Director Chen speaks frankly and respects General Manager Zhang.

Chinese-language films need to unite, or they will be swallowed up by Hollywood blockbusters.

"The Big Picture of an 18-Year-Old vs. the Petty-Mindedness of a 51-Year-Old

The Zhao Family Troupe's Cultivation is 20 Years Ahead of the Chinese Entertainment Industry

Zhang Weiping owes Chen Mo an apology; he shouldn't be a coward.

The entire report revolved around the discussion of Chen Mo's grand vision and Zhang Weiping's character.

Only by writing in this way can there be contrast and generate buzz.

more than this.

Comparing Zhang Weiping to a mad dog, who bullies an innocent and handsome passerby by relying on his group of dog friends, is outrageous.

That's... very fitting.

The most satisfying revenge is neither verbal sparring nor face-to-face verbal abuse.

That's too cheap and low-class.

Instead, it will turn on you with what you care about most.

Aren't you just showing off your seniority?

What about vision? What about open-mindedness? Have you thought about the future of Chinese-language films?

There's nothing there, so what are you pretending for?

I'm cursing you, you old geezer.

Paris, France.

After the plane landed, film festival staff picked up the "Black Coal, Thin Ice" crew and took them to Cannes.

The two places are 900 kilometers apart, and it takes about 10 hours to drive there.

The closest hotel to the Palais des Festivals is the Hotel Martinez, one of the officially designated hotels for guests.

Each film crew is allocated approximately 5 accommodation slots and two suites.

This includes the director, male and female leads, producers, and film producers.

Other staff members are not responsible for reception.

A considerable number of people from Zhao's troupe came this time, including Zhao Benshan, Zhang Jiahao, Liu Liu, Zhao Si, Song Xiaobao, Tang Jianjun, Ma Lijuan, and Liu Yifei, who was brought along by Ma Lijuan.

In addition, Jiang Wen also came.

There are indeed too many people; the organizers can't accommodate everyone.

Even though the French government provides the Cannes Film Festival with €100-150 million in funding each year, its finances remain tight.

Let me explain.

The Cannes Film Festival is under the jurisdiction of the French government, having previously been under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Culture. Its main purpose is to showcase the attitude of the French people, and it has a very strong political character.

But it insists that "Not One Less" has a strong political flavor.

A blatant case of differential treatment.

The magistrate is allowed to set fires, but the common people are forbidden to light lamps.

As of 2025, Chinese-language films have won the Palme d'Or only once, while the United States has won it 18 times, the most of any country.

What is the attitude of the French?

I understand everything I understand.

A good dog.

"Mr. Zhang, how much are the apartments here?"

Ma Lijuan asked softly.

"Standard rooms cost between 5000 and 8000 euros, while sea-view rooms cost around 3 euros."

Zhang Jiahao replied.

"Let's book five more rooms. If they're not available, we'll pay extra."

With a wave of her hand, Ma Lijuan ordered everyone to move into Martinez.

Chinese people believe in the saying "poor family, rich road."

Moreover, Benshan Media is not short of travel expenses.

Zhao Jiahao nodded in agreement.

Shortly after, they returned with 5 room keys.

Benshan Media has plenty of money, but many small production crews are in need. They would be happy to give up their reception rooms for a sum of money.

Those accompanying the "Spring Fever" crew didn't get this treatment; they had to stay in a substandard hotel.

"Brother, the judges are all under house arrest, and Jacob can't get out either. However, another international friend of mine brought a film to the festival, so we can get together tonight."

Jiang Wen extended a warm invitation.

"Brother's connections are amazing." Zhao Benshan gave a thumbs up, then looked at Zhang Jiahao, "Mr. Zhang, book the best restaurant in town, around 8 pm."

"Yes, Chairman."

The most prestigious restaurant in Cannes is the Palm of Gold restaurant on the first floor of the hotel.

We cater gala dinners exclusively for celebrities.

Two Michelin stars, with an average cost of around 1000 euros per person.