Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

"Director Wang,"

As they left the voting room, Zhuang Huai'an, his face grim, stopped Sunglasses King.

"Does Director Wang have a problem with me? Or with Zhang Yimou?"

"What does Director Zhuang mean by that?"

Wang Jiawei feigned confusion, saying, "I was just doing what a judge should do. In my heart, the art of 'wind blowing through wheat fields' is a cut above 'love' in terms of artistic merit."

What? Does Director Zhuang think I'm not allowed to exercise my right to judge?

"sure,"

Zhuang Huai'an chuckled inexplicably. "But perhaps Director Wang doesn't know who the mastermind behind this year's Cannes Film Festival is?"

After saying that, he ignored the bewildered Wang Jiawei and turned to leave.

Wang Jiawei may have been wearing sunglasses for too long and has lost sight of the situation. There's no need to argue with such a fool.

Wang Jiawei sneered as he watched Zhuang Huai'an's retreating figure.

He did have a problem with Zhuang Huai'an, and the reason was simple: starting the year before last, Hong Kong directors who went north in large numbers discovered that they couldn't attract investment in the mainland.

Later, I found out that the coal bosses who were originally most interested in the film and television industry had long since joined 91 Company. What's worse, Xu Youcai, a well-known tycoon in Shanxi Province, was actually Zhuang Huai'an's godfather!

This is really frustrating!

Wang Jiawei is notorious in Hong Kong, and no investors are willing to pay attention to him anymore. He thought that with his big name, he could develop his business in the mainland, and those country bumpkins would hand over their funds to help him realize his dreams. But no one paid any attention to him.

Due to these limitations, the art-house kung fu film he wanted to shoot has not yet started production.

In fact, Wang Jiawei knew that in the end, his votes would not have much impact on the Palme d'Or, but he just wanted to take this opportunity to disgust Zhuang Huai'an.

Who made you so outstanding?

Back in the room,

Zhuang Huai'an grew angrier the more he thought about it. He took out his phone to call Kirk, but after thinking it over carefully, he gave up.

It's perfectly acceptable for our own people to fight back behind closed doors, but it's incredibly foolish to let foreigners teach our compatriots a lesson.

Wang Jiawei can be trash, but Zhuang Huai'an cannot. This is the awareness that a son of an old revolutionary base area should have.

But... you think you can just run away after offending the abbot?

Zhuang Huai'an looked at Zhuang Dalong with a deep gaze.

...

The next day, May 28th,

Closing ceremony of the 59th Cannes Film Festival.

The judges sat high on one side of the awards stage, looking down at the diverse crowd in the hall.

After all the awards were presented, the host invited Zhuang Huai'an to the stage to give a speech.

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Cannes Film Festival, the highest temple of cinematic art.

Zhuang Huai'an held the card in his hand and spoke fluent French.

"First of all, I would like to thank the organizing committee for their trust in entrusting a young person like me with such an important position as the chairman of the jury. I love movies, and watching a lot of films during this period has allowed me to experience different customs and cultures from all over the world."

Over the past 11 days, Cannes has screened a total of 533 films, a record high. It has been a celebration for film fans, but also a burden for the jury, as we have to select the best film from 23 excellent films.

Here, I would also like to thank all the directors, actors, and behind-the-scenes staff for their hard work. It is thanks to their efforts that we have created so many excellent works.

After a slight pause, the audience responded with applause.

"Without further ado, I'm sure you're all eager to see it."

Zhuang Huai'an pulled out his cue cards, and a burst of urgent drumbeats instantly rang out, causing the audience to unconsciously hold their breath and stare intently at the figure under the spotlight.

"The winner of the Palme d'Or for Best Film at the 59th Cannes International Film Festival is…"

Zhuang Huai'an's lips curled into a smile as he switched back to Chinese, "The Chinese-language film 'Love,' directed by Zhang Yimou!"

The host quickly repeated it in French and English.

Although he already knew the outcome, Zhang Yimou still couldn't contain himself and jumped up excitedly, waving his arms.

Regardless of their inner thoughts, everyone in the audience applauded under the watchful eyes of the cameras.

In fact, before the opening ceremony, many savvy people had already guessed the inside story. After all, they were all seasoned veterans and were well aware of the unspoken rules of film festivals.

They only felt envy for Zhang Yimou and regretted not having the connections to manipulate awards.

Zhuang Huai'an's two Grand Slam victories truly opened their eyes. He seemed to be playing with the rules, but in reality, he was breaking free from them and using off-the-board tactics to deliver a devastating blow.

The key issue is that the organizing committee has no way to resist!

After all, in the face of 7.62, all beings are equal!

On stage, Zhuang Huai'an shook hands politely with Zhang Yimou, then handed over the Palme d'Or trophy and certificate. The two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.

"Thank you..." Zhang Yimou's thank-you speech was as simple and unpretentious as his personality, except that this time he followed Zhuang Huai'an's example and added the names of Beijing Film Academy and Beijing People's Art Theatre.

What is love?

Love is what made Juliet refuse to live alone, and what made the Beast regain his princely status and break through worldly conventions and social norms. It can transcend thousands of years. So, in this round where everyone wants to spend their life with love, we forget that these are all stories and legends. In reality, we may have to wait in vain.

But people keep asking: What exactly does love taste like?

So I made this film. It doesn't have any grand vows or earth-shattering events; it's just ordinary life with a touch of bitterness. In the face of love, death is just a backdrop.

Thank you again.

Zhang Yimou held up the trophy and certificate high, smiling like an old farmer who had just had a good harvest.

Zhuang Huai'an clapped first, inwardly marveling. He would have to ask him later how long it took to prepare this copy.

Although the audience couldn't understand Chinese, they could understand the gestures and applauded.

Jacob and Fremo walked hand in hand onto the stage to announce the official closing of the film festival.

at the same time,

Domestic media outlets are already in a frenzy, releasing press releases overnight, all praising the rise of Chinese-language films.

The four major portal websites once again took the lead, placing a photo of Zhuang Huai'an and Zhang Yimou on their covers. One looked young and spirited, while the other looked radiant; surprisingly, the two photos together were harmonious.

Breaking News! Zhang Yimou Wins Palme d'Or!

[The Palme d'Or! Another Chinese-language film industry achieves a triple crown!]

[A true generational shift! Zhuang Huai'an and Zhang Yimou join forces, but who truly reigns supreme?]

[Zhang Yimou's three gold medals mean Kai Zi is in danger!]

[The Palme d'Or voting battle! Rumors circulate that Wong Kar-wai rejected Zhang Yimou?]

Two directors who have won three prestigious awards! A sign that Chinese-language films are going global!

Zhang Yimou wins the Palme d'Or, but still needs an Oscar to reclaim his position as China's top director!

[Zhuang Huai'an, the Lucky Star: Never Misses an Award, Presents the Palme d'Or to a Strategist!]

Closing Ceremony Dinner

Zhuang Huai'an had just seen off a group of guests when Fremo appeared and pulled him aside.

"An, you should be satisfied with this result, right?"

"I guess it met my expectations."

Zhuang Huai'an didn't shy away from the topic. Anyway, the film festival was over, so who cared what the old white men thought?

Not satisfied? Then we'll open the betting market again next time! If you really push us too far, we'll put a price tag on the prizes!

I don't care if the formula is outdated, as long as it works.

One trick is all you need to succeed.

Fremo's expression was grave. "An, just now, Chairman Jacob, together with the Berlin and Venice triumvirate, formally proposed negotiations to you."

"What are you negotiating?"

"You'll find out when you turn the page."