Huayu: I rely on hit-movie tactics to interweave...

February 18, Berlin.

The morning's schedule included discussions with Chung Lai-Fang and David regarding a co-production of "The Man from Nowhere".

The three of them found a corner to sit in the hotel lobby coffee shop. Zhong Lifang ordered an Americano, David ordered an espresso, and Liu Yu ordered a hot chocolate.

David glanced at him, probably wondering how a man could drink hot chocolate.

Liu Yu doesn't like coffee; it's too bitter. He's had enough bitterness and doesn't want to experience it again in a beverage.

David brought a thick document, which was a letter of intent for cooperation between Searchlight and Lionsgate.

Searchlight Pictures is an independent film studio under Fox, specializing in art films and genre films, and has been doing very well in the North American market in recent years.

Lionsgate started with horror and action films; they have a wild approach, are daring, and dare to invest in projects that others wouldn't.

Lionsgate is far more interested in action films with a violent aesthetic like "The Man from Nowhere" than Searchlight.

"Lionsgate's terms are more favorable." David turned to a page in the document, pointing to the figures. "They're willing to cover 30% of the production costs, with the North American rights going to them and the rights for other regions worldwide going to us. Searchlight Pictures' terms are more conservative; they want a smaller share of the rights, but they're also offering less money."

Liu Yu leaned back in his chair, took a sip of his hot chocolate, and thought for a moment.

"Lionsgate's terms sound good. I need to see the contract details. Giving them the North American rights is fine, but there must be a time limit for distribution; it can't be locked indefinitely. If they don't release the film within the stipulated time, the rights must automatically revert to us."

This is a lesson I learned from doing business in my past life: the most dangerous things in a contract are not the big clauses, but the inconspicuous small print hidden in the corners.

David nodded. "Boss, also, Lionsgate asked a question: who are you planning to cast for the male lead?"

"It's not decided yet." Liu Yu put down his cup. "I have a few candidates in mind, but we'll discuss it after the script is finalized. There's no rush."

The three of them talked for more than an hour and roughly finalized the framework for cooperation.

...

Just as Liu Yu was about to stand up, his phone rang.

He hesitated for a moment before answering an unfamiliar German number.

"Hello Mr. Liu, this is the Berlin International Film Festival office."

Liu Yu paused for a moment; it was a call from the Berlin Film Festival organizing committee.

"Hello, please speak."

"We cordially invite you and all the performers to attend the closing ceremony on February 20th. Please confirm your attendance."

Liu Yu held his phone without saying a word.

Not everyone receives an invitation to the closing ceremony and awards presentation.

All film crews that made it into the competition can participate in the closing ceremony, but being invited to participate and being able to participate are two different things.

If you can only participate, you'll just be a spectator; if you're invited, it means you're likely to win a prize.

This has been an unspoken rule at the three major European film festivals for decades, and everyone in the industry knows it.

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yu sat there, staring at his phone screen.

Zhong Lifang looked at him, and David looked at him too.

Neither of them spoke, because they saw that Liu Yu's expression wasn't one of happiness, but rather one of dazedness.

"Boss?" Zhong Lifang called out tentatively.

Liu Yu looked up at her, opened his mouth slightly, and then stood up.

"Sister Zhong," his voice trembled slightly, "the organizing committee invited us to attend the closing ceremony and awards presentation."

Zhong Lifang was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up.

"You mean...."

"right."

Zhong Lifang stood up, exchanged a glance with Liu Yu for a second, and then they both laughed simultaneously. David didn't quite understand what was happening, but seeing them laugh, he laughed along with them.

......

At 4 p.m. on the 20th, the red carpet was already laid out in front of the Berlin Film Palace.

When Liu Yu and his entourage arrived at the waiting area, the red carpet event was about to begin.

The waiting area was already crowded with people, including film crews, media reporters, and film festival staff. They stood and chatted in twos and threes, and some were touching up their makeup.

Liu Yu stood in the crowd, looked around, and saw several European directors. Some of them greeted him in English, praising the sincere emotions and human nature revealed in "Hearing Girl".

Liu Yu responded to each of them, shook hands, exchanged business cards, and exchanged a few polite words.

His German was limited to "Guten Tag," and his English was passable but not fluent. Fortunately, Liu Yifei was there to help translate, so the situation wasn't too awkward.

The red carpet continued, with one film crew after another walking out, flashbulbs going off like firecrackers during Chinese New Year.

Liu Yu was informed that it would soon be her turn to join the cast of "Hearing Girl".

He straightened his tie, Liu Yifei took his arm, Luo Jin stood next to Liu Yifei, and behind them were Li Xuejian and Song Dandan.

The five people stood in a row, and Liu Yu took a deep breath.

The red carpet host began by introducing the cast and crew of the Chinese film "The Hearing Girl," including director Liu Yu and lead actress Liu Yifei.

The moment Liu Yu stepped onto the red carpet, a flood of flashbulbs came rushing towards him.

Liu Yu spotted the Sixth Princess, a reporter from China Film Report, who was standing on one side of the red carpet with a camera, her lens pointed at them.

There were also reporters from Sina and Sohu nearby, holding cameras and shouting, "Director Liu, look over here!" "Yifei, look over here!"

Liu Yu smiled and waved at the camera, and Liu Yifei waved back, her movements much more elegant than Liu Yu's.

The Sixth Princess clearly favors Liu Yifei.

During the red carpet interview, reporters asked several questions, all of which were directed at Liu Yifei.

Three and a half minutes is the time allotted to "Hearing Girl" on the red carpet.

Not too long, not too short, just enough for the whole world to see them.

......

The tiered auditorium, which can accommodate thousands of people, gradually filled up.

Liu Yu found his seat, slightly to the left of center. To his left was a French film crew, and to his right was a German film crew.

Liu Yu shook hands with the French director and nodded to the German director.

He sat down and found that the crew of "Peacock" was sitting right in front of them.

The atmosphere inside the venue was subtle.

Everyone seemed relaxed on the surface, chatting, laughing, and taking photos, like the sweltering heat before a storm.

Liu Yu could feel his heartbeat, neither fast nor slow.

He turned to look at Li Xuejian, who was calmly closing his eyes, as if he were taking a nap.

Song Dandan was gesturing and chatting with the German director next to her, mixing English with Chinese, and the other person actually understood her.

Luo Jin sat upright with his hands on his knees. Liu Yifei leaned on Liu Xiaoli's shoulder, and the mother and daughter spoke softly.

As dusk fell outside, the stadium was brightly lit.

.....

At 7:00 sharp, the host walked onto the stage.

The entire venue fell silent, the lights dimmed, and spotlights shone on the host and the awards stage.

The host delivered the opening remarks in both German and English, essentially welcoming everyone to the closing ceremony and awards gala of the 55th Berlin International Film Festival and thanking all filmmakers for their participation and support over the past ten days.

The most exciting moment is about to arrive.

All the guests were focused on the large screen on the awards stage.

First, regarding the non-competitive awards, both awards in the Youth Forum module were won by domestic directors.

Liu Yu wasn't familiar with the two directors' names, but he still clapped along.

The Best Film and Best Short Film awards in the Panorama category were won by two films from France and Switzerland, respectively.

Following that, awards were presented for the children's section and for the critics in each section.

When each award is presented, there is applause, cheers, and whistles from the audience. The winners go on stage to receive their awards, give their acceptance speeches, and then leave the stage.

The process was as standardized as an assembly line, and each winner had a different expression: some cried, some laughed, some were incoherent, and some were calm and composed.

With the appearance of jury president Roland Emmerich, everyone finally got to see the highlight of the evening.

The first award was Best European Film, an award reserved for domestic films, which was won by a Dutch director.

The second award was for Best Original Film Score, which was won by a French director.

When it came to the Alfred Bauer Silver Bear Award, a sense of unease began to emerge.

This award was established in honor of Alfred Bauer, the founder of the Berlin Film Festival, and is given to films that demonstrate innovation.

The winner is "A Cloud on the Horizon" from Taiwan, China.

Next, the acting awards: "The Silver Bear for Best Actress goes to Julia Yench for *Hope and Rebellion*. Congratulations."

Liu Yifei's tense body relaxed instantly, her shoulders slumped, and she leaned back in her chair.

There was no disappointment on her face, only a sense of relief.

Liu Yu turned to look at her. "Yifei, it's okay. You're still young. Come again next time."

Liu Yifei smiled and said, "Director, I'm already very satisfied. Just being nominated is great."

She said this in a very relaxed tone, not as if she were forcing herself.

After the Best Actress received her award, the jury members continued presenting other awards.

"The Silver Bear for Best Actor goes to Lou Taylor Pucci for *Thumb Sucker*. Congratulations."

Li Xuejian breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling mostly at ease.

Liu Yu turned to look at Li Xuejian, "Teacher Li, you flatter me. Your talent has been evident to the audience over the years."

Li Xuejian waved his hand and laughed, "Haha, let's keep watching. We think we can make a big splash."

Liu Yu felt a little embarrassed by what Li Xuejian said, but he knew that Li Xuejian was right.

The awards ceremony follows a set pattern: after the acting awards are given out, the next awards are Best Director, Jury Grand Prix, and Golden Bear.

If you're not ahead of the winner, then the grand prize is behind you. Those in the know understand this pattern.

Gu Changwei stared nervously at the awards stage.

"The Silver Bear for Best Director goes to Liu Yu, for *The Hearing Girl*. Congratulations."

As if struck by lightning, Liu Yu was momentarily stunned.

He sat there, motionless, until Li Xuejian patted his shoulder.

"Xiao Liu, they're calling you. Go upstairs."

Li Xuejian's voice wasn't loud, but it pulled Liu Yu back from his daze.

Liu Yu stood up, his legs feeling a little weak.

He turned around, and Li Xuejian had already stood up. Song Dandan also stood up, hugged him, and whispered in his ear, "Well done."

Luo Jin squeezed his hand. Liu Yifei stood up, her eyes red-rimmed, hugged him, and whispered in his ear, "Director Liu, you are the best."

Liu Yu released Liu Yifei and turned to walk towards the awards stage.

.....

Jury president Emmerich stood on the stage, holding the Silver Bear trophy, smiling at him.

Liu Yu walked over and took the silver bear with both hands. It was heavy, heavier than he had imagined.

"Thanks."

Liu Yu stood in front of the microphone, looking at the audience.

In a venue with thousands of people, he held the Silver Bear trophy in his hand, his palms sweaty.

"I'm Liu Yu, from China." His voice was a little tight as he cleared his throat. "This is my first time bringing my work to Berlin for a competition, and I'm very honored to have received the jury's appreciation and recognition. I will continue to work hard."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the audience, and he saw the direction of the "Hearing Girl" production team.

"Here I would also like to thank Liu Yifei, Li Xuejian, Song Dandan, and Luo Jin for their support. They are my actors, and without them, there would be no film. I would also like to thank my alma mater, Beijing Film Academy, for its cultivation and guidance, Mr. Han from China Film Group, my parents and sister, and everyone who has helped me."

He paused again, looking at the silver bear in his hand, "Thank you again to the Berlin Film Festival for their recognition. Thank you."

Thunderous applause erupted.

Liu Yu stood on the stage, bowed, and stepped off the stage.

When he returned to his seat, he realized he couldn't remember how he got back.

Li Xuejian turned to the side and glanced at the trophy in his hand. "Silver Bear, not bad. Next time, get the gold."

Liu Yu smiled, a very happy smile.

The awards ceremony continued on stage, with Gu Changwei, a member of the jury, winning the award for "Peacock." The Golden Bear for Best Film went to South African director "Carmen of Kayalisa."

When the South African director went on stage, he was so excited that he cried. He spoke at length in a mix of English and Afrikaans, and the translator almost couldn't keep up.

Laughter and applause filled the room, creating a lively atmosphere.