Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

A somewhat boring opening ceremony ended.

The group returned to the hotel and gathered in Zhuang Huai'an's room.

Looking at the process sheet in his hand, Wang Hongwei said, "Starting tomorrow, the organizers will provide booths for the films. Although we don't have enough staff, the staff from China Film Group will come to help. With them as half the hosts, we won't be completely clueless."

"In this regard, China Film Group is still reliable." Wang Zhiwen nodded with a smile.

Jiang Wu leaned closer and said, "My brother just texted me, saying that if I need his help, I can call him anytime."

As a son-in-law of a French family, Jiang Wen has quite a few connections here.

"Senior Brother Jiang, please thank Teacher Jiang Wen for me," Zhuang Huai'an replied with a smile.

Jiang Wen is currently under a ban on directing, and he has no works to promote. He did not come to Cannes this time, but stayed in Paris to accompany his wife.

The film festival officially kicked off on the second day after the opening ceremony.

The dozen or so films that were shortlisted for the main competition began to be screened in turn.

As far as I can remember, the quality of films at this year's Cannes Film Festival was indeed not very high, which is why Zhuang Huai'an was so eager to submit his film for selection.

The film "Hunting" doesn't have the kind of ignorance and backwardness found in the films of China's fifth generation of directors; it's purely about reality and human nature.

This kind of emotion transcends geographical boundaries and can be understood by all of humanity; it's also a favorite genre at Cannes.

With the screening of numerous films, Screen Magazine was the first to issue ratings, and "The Hunt" emerged as a dark horse, far ahead of the competition.

"Taking this dose of malice, letting the resentment freeze into ice—The Hunt: A chilling film, with a lukewarm narrative and calm, rational shots, brewing an almost desperate repression, mania, and coldness, finally ruthlessly slashing humanity and social morality with a bloody knife in a trembling manner."

The reviews from Screen Magazine swept through the film festival like a tornado, and "The Hunt" instantly became the focus of the media and professionals.

"A chill runs from the toes to the scalp: life is truly cruel, and kind people are destined for tragedy because even their right to perceive hatred and resentment is buried by their own humanity." — Cahiers du Cinéma

"Hunters of the moral high ground? Why do uninformed citizens become judges of others' lives?" — Daily Mirror

"What is the truth? Can things ever be the same again after being whitewashed? Ann, a talented 19-year-old director from China, will tell you." - Daily Mail

"The Hunt – A psychological analysis of why little girls lie, and how parents should respond appropriately?" – The Guardian

Suddenly, "The Hunt" and director Ann became the hottest words in Cannes.

Meanwhile, these reports were also reprinted back to China, with the three major portal websites taking the lead and using increasingly exaggerated headlines.

"The Hunt" makes a stunning debut at Cannes, with international media praising it as a work of genius!

"Will the Beijing Film Academy produce another great director? A future leader of Chinese cinema!"

"Wang Zhiwen's performance has reached legendary status, and he is expected to follow in the footsteps of Ge You, Liang Chaowei, and Wei Zheng to win the Palme d'Or!"

"The biggest dark horse at this year's Cannes Film Festival! 'The Hunt' received high marks, and Zhuang Huai'an's short film 'The Tuner' also won high praise."

Screen magazine, a bellwether for the Palme d'Or, gave The Hunt a high score of 3.6, ranking it first among all films in the main competition.

Other film review magazines also gave the film ratings ranging from 4 to 5 stars.

These ratings spurred film studios to flock to the project like sharks smelling blood.

However, Zhuang Huai'an's memories only told him how to make a movie; the process was still somewhat vague.

Ultimately, with the help of China Film Group, they selected MK2 from France, EFD from the UK, CF from Germany, Lionsgate from North America, and Toho from Xiao Rizi.

Wang Zhiyong compiled the quotations from these companies, and after Zhuang Huai'an reviewed them, he first met with Leo, the representative of MK2 Company.

"Ann, although I was prepared for your age, I must say, you truly are a genius."

Leo spared no praise: "In the history of world cinema, you are the only director your age to be nominated for Cannes."

Zhuang Huai'an wore a polite smile and did not interrupt the French man's endless chatter.

"Ann, let's get down to business," Leo said with a serious expression. "Regarding the artistic value of 'The Hunt,' our Mk2 company's offer is definitely the most suitable choice for you."

"Thank you for recognizing my film. Your offer is indeed the highest at the moment."

After confirming the other party's words, Zhuang Huai'an did not beat around the bush: "I agree to sell the copyright to you, but I have one request that I hope your company can agree to."

Upon hearing this, Leo's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked, "Public relations?"

"Yes." Zhuang Huai'an nodded.

There is no denying that The Hunt is excellent, although all magazines currently believe that it is the clear winner of this year's Palme d'Or.

But since ancient times, extreme heat has always been fatal.

Ultimately, he is just a new director with no connections, and he has an Asian face.

Surely no one really thinks that as long as your movie is good, they'll give you an award, right?

Which film that makes it into the main competition isn't excellent?

What do you think it means for a film festival to release its main competition list so early?

When two films are nearly identical in quality, what matters is not the film itself, but the underlying capabilities.

In this world, connections matter.

In this situation, trying to sell the copyright after the closing ceremony would be a very foolish move.

Zhuang Huai'an didn't want to, and dared not, gamble. He had so many excellent works in his mind, and what he lacked now was the recognition of this award.

First be a grandson, then a grandfather; what matters is longevity.

As far as he knew, the big boss behind mk2 was of Jewish descent and had influence not only in the three major European countries but also in North America.

Dealing with them is currently the best option for me.

"I can sell this film at cost, but your company must help me win awards, the Palme d'Or, or the Jury Prize plus Best Actor."

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes gleamed as he presented his conditions.

Leo pushed up his glasses and smiled meaningfully: "Ann, to be honest, I'm quite surprised by what you've done. I thought you were already a genius for making good movies at your age, but I didn't expect you to know so much about the behind-the-scenes operations."

He took out a cigar from his pocket, but Zhuang Huai'an refused, so he slowly toasted it himself.

"Ann, do you know which company bought the rights to 'The Pianist,' which is right after yours?"

"I would like to hear the details."

"Universal, a Hollywood giant," Leo exhaled a puff of smoke. "Director Roman Polanski made the same choice as you. He wanted Universal to help him secure the Palme d'Or, and the price was only $800 million for 'The Pianist' excluding the European distribution rights."

Leo looked at the calm-faced boy and smiled. "The production cost of The Pianist was $3500 million, and it was a co-production between France, Germany, the UK, and Poland."

"Mr. Leo, in your opinion, who is better, the hunter or the pianist?"

"Hunting, without a doubt!"

"Then I only need 400 million!"

Seeing Leo's somewhat surprised expression, Zhuang Huai'an stated firmly, "400 million US dollars, distribution rights for all regions except Asia!"

Leo took a deep drag of his cigar, exhaled a heavy puff of smoke, stood up, and extended his hand in response:

"Deal! Mk2 will handle the PR aspect with all its might!"