Who says Beijing Film Academy has no great directors? (2002)

Another week later, "Love is Not Blind" demonstrated its amazing box office power, almost draining the entire market.

On January 16th, media headlines all said that Monster's "Love is Not Blind" had grossed over 1 million yuan in two weeks!

Newcomer director Chen Yan achieved legendary status with a single film, becoming the second director in China to join the "100 Million Yuan Club".

"Love is Not Blind" raked in 1.15 million yuan at the box office in two weeks.

Just then, information about Chen Yan's new film being approved for filing appeared online.

Title: Crazy Stone

Director: Undetermined

Screenwriter: Chen Yan

......

Title: Love

Director: Chen Yan

Screenwriter: Chen Yan

......

The former is clearly a commercial film, while the latter should be an art film, so everyone's attention is more focused on the former.

However, everyone who had Chen Yan's contact information inquired and learned that he would not be directing the film himself, but would instead hand it over to one of his alumni.

People's enthusiasm waned considerably.

However, when Chen Yan later participated in media interviews, he said that "Love" is a very wonderful art film and he would take it to participate in the three major international film festivals.

People began to speculate whether it would be Berlin, Cannes, or Venice.

The closest one is Cannes in May.

In the third week of the box office success of "Breakup Buddies," Chen Yan finally received the email he had been waiting for.

An invitation with a high-quality feel, exuding the elegance of a classic French brand.

Dear Mr. Chen Yan

We cordially invite your film "Love" to be screened in the non-competitive section of the 56th Cannes Film Festival.

The film will be the official world premiere at Cannes, enjoying the privileges of a formal red carpet and official screening, but will not be eligible for the Palme d'Or.

We warmly welcome you and your creative team to Cannes to participate in our official events.

Cannes Film Festival Selection Committee

Chen Yan guessed it, but the non-competitive section wasn't what he wanted to go to.

At this time, Cannes was eager to deepen its ties with Chinese directors. In addition, Thierry Frémaux was accumulating his political achievements and was a person who liked to discover new directors and was willing to take risks.

Therefore, Chen Yancai decided to take out a letter and reply to the film selection team.

"I am very grateful to the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee for extending a formal invitation to my film 'Amour' for the non-competitive section. I am truly honored and cherish this opportunity."

For a long time, the main competition at Cannes and the chance to win the Palme d'Or have been my ultimate aspirations when creating this film. I poured all my heart and soul into polishing "Amour," hoping to enter the main competition, compete with the works of the world's top directors, and be judged by professional juries.

Out of respect for the artwork itself and for the artistic standards of Cannes, I have to decline the invitation to participate in the non-competitive section.

I urge you and the selection committee to reconsider "Amour" and give it a chance to be nominated for the main competition.

The next day, Chen Yan revealed to the media that he had rejected the non-competitive section of Cannes.

Let things develop a bit first.

Chen Yan turned around and went to find Tian Zhuangzhuang; the lead actor for his film hadn't been decided yet.

Let's hope that Cannes invites us to participate, but the film isn't edited well, then we'll make a fool of ourselves.

Chen Yan chose an invitation system this time and did not plan to publicly select people. The film "Love" has only two main characters and very few supporting roles.

Tian Zhuangzhuang gestured for Chen Yan to sit down and handed him a cup of tea: "Your film has caused quite a stir."

"It's my first time shooting, so I'll try all sorts of types."

Seeing that Chen Yan hadn't spoken yet, Tian Zhuangzhuang had to speak first, saying that the young comrade must have encountered some difficulties.

"So, what do you want me to do for you this time?"

"Hehe, nothing can be hidden from Director Tian. This time, I require the two lead actors in my script to be over 60 years old."

Tian Zhuangzhuang paused in his tea-drinking motion: "That's interesting. Go on."

"So after much deliberation, I chose You Banchang and Qin Yi, but I am of little influence and I am afraid I cannot invite these two virtuous veteran artists... so..."

Chen Yan smiled shyly as he spoke.

Tian Zhuangzhuang chuckled: "Okay, I'll go ask for you."

"Do you need anyone else? Is your movie just a one-man show by two old people?"

Chen Yan was surprised for a moment. As expected of the pillar of the Beijing Film Academy's directing department.

"If it's convenient, I'd also like to invite Yan Ni to play their daughter."

When it comes to actors in the Chinese entertainment industry who are both outstanding in acting and down-to-earth, Chen Yan immediately chose Yan Ni.

Tian Zhuangzhuang didn't know Yan Ni, but he could easily find someone to talk to than Chen Yan could. He could basically strike up a conversation with any actor in the industry.

"Okay, Yan Ni, I'll ask for you."

Moreover, Chen Yan's previous film was a great success, and even without considering Tian Zhuangzhuang's feelings, he would still want to give it a try.

However, Chen Yan didn't have that much time to go looking for them one by one; he just wanted to quickly gather his team.

Tian Zhuangzhuang acted very quickly, telling Chen Yanyou and Pan Chang that they had agreed the next day, but Qin Yi wanted to see the script first.

Yan Ni was very excited and said she was ready to join the crew anytime.

Qin Yi has been in the capital for the past two days, and Chen Yan and Tian Zhuangzhuang have arranged to meet together tomorrow.

Qin Yi is 81 years old this year. To avoid the elderly woman having to travel back and forth, Chen Yan plans to bring the contract with him when he goes to see her.

The matter was settled immediately.

Chen Yan also took the time to call Zhang Jiayi.

Since Zhang Jiayi became famous after his breakup, he has been inundated with offers. When he received Chen Yan's call, he was still doing a post-show interview.

Zhang Jiayi picked up the phone and replied warmly, "Director Chen."

"Yeah, I'm free."

Chen Yan was very direct: "Are you available lately? My next movie is about family, would you like to play a supporting role?"

Zhang Jiayi immediately smiled broadly, "Yes."

"Okay, okay, Director Chen, just let me know when filming starts."

"Okay, bye."

Zhang Jiayi hung up the phone, her heart still pounding.

Everyone in the dressing room was stunned.

Could the Director Chen he mentioned be Chen Yan, the director of the recently popular film "Heartbreak"?

A staff member who was on good terms with him approached him and asked directly, "Brother Zhang, was that Director Chen Yan on the phone just now?"

Immediately, someone chimed in, "Is he here to ask you to star in his second movie?"

Zhang Jiayi replied with a beaming smile: "Yes."

"I really envy Brother Zhang."

"Brother Zhang, now that you're famous, don't forget to help us out!"

People around them sighed with envy, while others began to have their own ideas.

"Teacher Qin, this is the script for 'Love'." Chen Yan stood up slightly and handed the script to Qin Yi.

The old lady opposite me took the script and thanked me.

Chen Yan was able to observe Qin Yi, the female lead of his next drama, closely. She had gray hair, wore gold-rimmed glasses, had bright eyes, a smile on her lips, and a very gentle temperament.

It perfectly matches the image of the retired professor who taught his whole life in his script.

Tian Zhuangzhuang had read the script before coming here, and she is still marveling at how good it is.

Why doesn't Chen Yan have any intention of taking the postgraduate entrance exam? No, I still have to think of a way to get him to study for his master's degree.