Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Manager Liu is indeed quite capable; he quickly arranged everything.

After eating the Hunan cuisine cooked by this plump aunt named Pang Fei, Zhuang Huai'an decided to keep her there and settled her in the back room.

Over the next few days, Zhuang Huai'an was working on a new script when he received a call from Lao Wang, who said that the Hunting had passed the review through a fast-track process and they were now just waiting for Cannes to hold a public call for submissions.

In the blink of an eye, it's Lunar New Year's Eve.

Early in the morning, Aunt Pang from Hunan Province got busy. As cousins, Hunan and Jiangxi provinces share many customs.

"Auntie, that's enough. I can't possibly finish all that food by myself. Just make a few simple dishes so you don't have to delay your trip home for the New Year."

"How can that be?" The kitchen was steaming. The plump auntie picked up the towel around her neck and wiped her sweat. "You silly boy, today is the New Year. According to our family custom, in addition to what we eat, we also have to offer sacrifices to the gods. Alright, come in and sit down. I'll be done in a minute."

Unable to persuade her otherwise, Zhuang Huai'an could only go back to his room. After making a phone call to his father, he called Lao Wang. Upon hearing that his good disciple was spending the New Year alone in the capital, Lao Wang complained that he hadn't told him earlier that he could come to his house for the New Year.

Zhuang Huai'an hurriedly explained that there was no such custom in his hometown; on New Year's Eve, there must be lanterns and incense burning.

He arranged to visit Lao Wang for the New Year tomorrow, and started sending out mass messages. For some people, the relationship was neither too close nor too distant, so sending a New Year's greeting was the most appropriate thing to do.

Zhang Huijun, who was quite happy to receive the message, felt an itch in his nose and wanted to sneeze.

"Happy New Year, Auntie."

Happy New Year, kid.

Zhuang Huai'an presented two bottles of Maotai liquor with two cartons of Huazi cigarettes on top. "It's such a big holiday, and I'm already troubling you to cook. Please take these cigarettes and liquor with you so my uncle can try them."

"Oh no, this is bad, I have a salary."

"It's Chinese New Year today, we can't say it's bad, take it."

Zhuang Huai'an shoved the bag into her arms, then closed the courtyard gate and called out, "Auntie, I'll give you three days off. Come back on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Be careful on the road."

The plump auntie, carrying cigarettes and alcohol in one hand, wiped her slightly moist eyes with the other, muttering, "This kid..."

Back inside, Zhuang Huai filled a bowl with rice, picked up a plate of poached chicken and a plate of roast duck, and went to the backyard. He placed the food in front of the ever-burning lamp, took out an incense stick, and kowtowed four times to his mother's portrait.

"If you are watching from heaven, please bless my father with good health."

After the worship ceremony, Zhuang Huai'an washed his hands and returned to the main room.

...

"What? You got a new notebook?"

On the first day of school, Old Wang looked at his good apprentice with a surprised expression.

"Well, I don't know why, but after the hunt, my inspiration just kept coming in like a middle-aged man's prostate—it just wouldn't stop."

Hearing his traitor's words, Old Wang glared at him. How could such a thing be made public?

"Finished writing? Let me see." Old Wang rubbed his hands together.

"Not yet, the framework is there, but the details are still lacking."

This is a lie.

Zhuang Huai'an remained calm and composed. In fact, the script was finished last night, but he didn't plan to start filming so soon, as he hadn't recovered from his holiday blues yet.

"Alright, then think it over carefully. If you're unsure about anything, come to me... Never mind, don't come to me. I can't teach you anything at your current level. Go find Professor Tian."

"Professor Tian is on temporary assignment?" Zhuang Huai'an was somewhat surprised, as this wasn't the freshman season.

"He'll only be on temporary assignment in the second half of the year," Old Wang glanced out the window subconsciously and whispered, "Professor Tian's ban expires in July. Right now, the higher-ups are turning a blind eye. He's coming early this semester to try out teaching you film theory."

"Oh oh oh oh oh,"

Zhuang Huai'an nodded to indicate that he understood.

Professor Tian is the only director in China with a paper copy of the ban on directing films. What's even more impressive is that this master director has framed the document and hung it in his living room.

This is the most widely circulated version of events, but the actual situation is that the punishment period for Tian Zhuangzhuang and the other six people was clearly stated in the document as seven years, but only one year later, the relevant leaders privately revoked the punishment document.

In Zhuang Huai'an's view, the so-called ten-year ban on directing is more likely because Tian Zhuangzhuang was already resentful about the family changes during that period, and this ban was an even bigger blow to him, making it impossible for him to get over that hurdle in his heart.

Directing is a profession that requires genius. What good things can someone who has lost their passion create?

Interestingly, Jiang Wen highly praised this behavior.

After filming the Japanese invasion two years ago, Jiang Wen submitted the film for review, but there was controversy at the higher authorities. It was neither approved nor rejected; it was simply suppressed.

Jiang Wen couldn't wait any longer, so she secretly sent the film to Cannes and won a jury prize.

This infuriated the men, so they spread the word that they would blacklist Jiang Wen for several years.

This was originally just a casual remark, because the film was only controversial, not that it was absolutely impossible to pass, and Jiang Wen did indeed go through the procedures.

The men thought that if Jiang Wen came to their door to apologize and admit his mistake, that would be enough; at most, they would send his film back.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Wen believed it and stubbornly went to the door to demand the paper document.

Now, the fake has become real.

Banned from directing for 5 years, but there's no official document; check the official website!

In short, the fifth and sixth generation directors... well, it's hard to describe.

"The application has already been submitted to Cannes for the main competition, and the sound engineer has also been submitted for the short film category. And there's some news..."

Old Wang glanced out the window again and whispered, "Director Zhang showed these two films of yours to Zhang Yimou, and he gave them very high praise, saying that these two films are definitely worthy of being nominated, but what awards they will win depends on luck."

Seeing Zhuang Huai'an's calm and unsurprised expression, Old Wang felt a little uncomfortable. "Even Zhang Yimou said that, don't you have any feelings about it?"

"Amazing! Exciting! That's Cannes, the highest stage for film!"

"I know."

Zhuang Huai'an looked at Old Wang and asked, "Mentor, what do you think are the essential qualities for becoming a director?"

"The picture?" Old Wang asked tentatively.

"It's about appreciation, the ability to appreciate," Zhuang Huai'an said, feigning a disappointed look. "If he can't tell a good movie from a bad one, then he certainly can't be a good director."

"so?"

Zhuang Huai'an puffed out his chest and said, "So, I think my film can win awards, and Zhang Yimou also thinks it can win awards. If we round it up, I'm practically Zhang Yimou."

...

Looking at his arrogant and rebellious disciple, Old Wang laughed in anger: "Disciple, have some shame. That's Zhang Yimou. If he hadn't given up back then, he would be the only living director to have achieved a Grand Slam."

"I am not yet strong; when I am strong, things will change!"

"Get lost!"

"Okay!"

Walking back to his dormitory, Zhuang Huai'an was filled with emotion. He was indebted to so many people.

It's important to understand that applying to an international film festival is not something that can be accomplished simply by filling out a few forms. Even the most basic translation and legal verification are beyond the capabilities of most people, not to mention the ongoing communication and coordination required at any time.

What did Zhuang Huai'an do during this period?

He did nothing but throw the film at Lao Wang and then salted fish.

The most crucial step is the submission for review.

The men can always find fault with you, as if that's how they prove their status.

It's normal for a movie to be remade three times.

But what about "The Hunt"?

It took three days and was passed on the first try.

What lesson do all of this teach us?

Sects are great! We need sects to rely on!

Zhuang Huai'an walked briskly, only remembering his initial decision to choose the entire Beijing Film Academy production team.

That's fucking genius!