Chapter 737: Who doesn't have a bit of ambition and a bit of desire? (70

Last year, Lu Yan He was crowned Emperor at Xitu'er.

This year, Lu Yan He became the youngest invitee to the Xitu'er Masterclass.

Especially at this moment—a moment when the Xitu'er Film Festival's influence on the Oscars is so immense—such a move is undoubtedly building momentum for Lu Yan He's path to winning an award this year.

For a top-tier film festival to build momentum at such a critical juncture, its significance is self-evident.

How many Oscar judges have won awards at Xitu'er, and how many people have "made a name for themselves" in the film circle right here at Xitu'er?

Just like Lu Yan He twenty or thirty years from now, if Xitu'er had a need for him, could he not appear?

Lu Yan He's film career is fundamentally highly bound to the Xitu'er Film Festival.

His first film was in the Xitu'er Main Competition section, and he became famous because of it.

His first major overseas acting award was also won at Xitu'er, and it was because of this Xitu'er Best Actor award that he became a hot favorite for this year's Oscars.

To be honest, without Xitu'er, Lu Yan He might still have become famous due to miraculous box office results, but in terms of status in the mainstream film industry, influence, and so on, he might not have reached his current height.

These things are all complementary.

This year at Xitu'er, another Chinese-language film has been shortlisted.

"In the Tide," the third directorial work by a young director named Wang Shuai.

Lu Yan He does not know this director.

Of course, this director was not famous before either; his previous two works had been shortlisted for other sections of the Xitu'er Film Festival, but the response was not particularly good.

No one expected that his new film would suddenly be shortlisted for this year's Main Competition section.

This film is a semi-documentary.

The film only has one professional actor as the protagonist, Cheng Ben, a solid actor who is not very famous.

The reason it is called a semi-documentary is that the filming of this movie was done under the guise of "shooting a program," allowing other people to participate in the film's progress with their real identities.

There was no script before the film started shooting, only a concept.

The entire process was shot handheld.

Every day after shooting, the director and Cheng Ben would design what Cheng Ben was to say and do the next day, and then, through Cheng Ben's performance the next day, stimulate the feelings of others; in this way, the filming of this movie was completed.

The film is about the living conditions of young people in a factory.

Finally, the director edited a film based on the footage captured.

Very artistic.

The day Lu Yan He held his masterclass happened to be the day before the film's first screening at Xitu'er.

Wang Shuai specifically invited Lu Yan He to the premiere through someone they both knew.

Lu Yan He actually really wanted to attend, but he had to leave early tomorrow morning.

There were already arrangements for work in the United States.

Lu Yan He specifically added Wang Shuai on WeChat, sent him a message explaining why he couldn't attend, apologized, and said he hoped to have a chance to support the film when it was released domestically.

Wang Shuai expressed some regret and hoped they could collaborate in the future.

Lu Yan He said, "Definitely."

After arriving at the hotel, Lu Yan He chatted briefly with the local liaison and learned that not many Chinese filmmakers were attending the Xitu'er Film Festival this year.

His hotel was booked by the film festival organizing committee.

Generally, the crews of films shortlisted for the Main Competition section have their hotels provided by the organizing committee.

However, many wealthy crews (especially if those big Hollywood stars attend) will book other hotels with better environments.

Lu Yan He asked one more question: was the crew of "In the Tide" staying at this hotel?

If so, he was prepared to pay them a visit in person.

Lu Yan He has run the film festival circuit many times and knows very well how nervous a few young filmmakers would be deep down, coming to a top-tier film festival in a foreign land.

Back then, the struggle and hesitation he felt before sending that text message to Luo Yuzhong to act in the drama "The Golden Age" is still vivid in his memory.

Perhaps Wang Shuai felt the same way when he sent him the message inviting him to tomorrow's premiere.

Lu Yan He pondered for a moment; although he couldn't attend, there were always other ways to show support.

At the very least, a group photo posted on social media would attract everyone's attention.

As it turned out, the liaison said that the crew of "In the Tide" did not choose the hotel provided by the organizing committee; it was said that they couldn't afford the cost of this hotel and had found their own accommodation.

Lu Yan He was stunned.

Generally speaking, in China, a crew that can be shortlisted for a top international film festival, no matter how small the budget of the film, the production company behind it will definitely not be stingy with the film festival itinerary.

Because for the film, this is not only a journey of honor, but also means that film distributors from all over the world will come to buy your film; you will definitely not be short of money.

The title of being a shortlisted film for the Xitu'er Film Festival Main Competition section is valuable in itself.

Lu Yan He immediately went to ask which production company made "In the Tide," and as it turned out, the film was made by Wang Shuai himself—the filming budget came entirely from his savings because no domestic film company was willing to invest.

And the most awkward part appeared: so far, even though "In the Tide" had been shortlisted for the Xitu'er Film Festival Main Competition section, no domestic film company was willing to distribute the film.

A semi-documentary, no stars; whether it was the subject matter or the cast, it didn't have a single selling point.

Unless Wang Shuai was willing to sell it for a few million.

Otherwise, in the eyes of domestic film companies, this film had no profit potential and was destined to lose money.

Lu Yan He was astonished.

He had gotten this news through Chen Yin.

Lu Yan He thought about it seriously and sent a message to Chen Yin: If there is still no company to take over after the film festival, go and contact them to see what Wang Shuai thinks.

Chen Yin said okay.

Lu Yan He sent a message to Wang Shuai: Director, I just arrived in Xitu'er and checked into the hotel. Where are you staying? Is it convenient to meet now?

It was already 10:00 PM local time.

If it weren't for Lu Yan He's work schedule tomorrow, he wouldn't want to ask to meet him at this time.

Five minutes later, Wang Shuai sent a message: Convenient! Which hotel are you at? We'll come find you!

Lu Yan He: Oh, let's not use "you" (formal).

Lu Yan He: 【Grinning】

Lu Yan He: Is it inconvenient for you to call a car there? Or you can send me the address, and I'll have a car come pick you up. It's more convenient that way, and I can tidy up a bit first.

Wang Shuai and Cheng Ben had been standing downstairs at the agreed-upon place for a long time, waiting for the car sent by Lu Yan He.

Shrouded in the night.

They really didn't have a car today.

They only rented a car for the day after tomorrow to facilitate their attendance at the premiere.

This time, only the two of them and the film's producer, Luo Song, came to Xitu'er.

Because there really wasn't enough budget to support more people coming over.

After the news of "In the Tide" being shortlisted for Xitu'er came out, several film companies did contact them, expressing willingness to distribute it and support their trip to Xitu'er, but the conditions offered were too... how should I put it, hopeless.

Shooting this film cost Wang Shuai a total of 9.2 million, which was Wang Shuai's life savings, including the earnings from the two films he shot previously.

Cheng Ben, who starred in this film, only received 300,000, and he accompanied him for half a year.

It can be said that the production cost of this film was really all spent on production and post-production.

And the price offered by domestic film companies was really... completely unable to recoup the cost.

Although many people said that being shortlisted for Xitu'er meant overseas sales would definitely be good and it would definitely make money, and it wouldn't matter if it didn't make money domestically.

Wang Shuai felt that if that was the case, it would be better not to sell it at all.

For this trip to Xitu'er, he gritted his teeth and borrowed a little money from his family, and Cheng Ben, who also felt that the director really had it hard, offered to pay for the hotel expenses after hearing about the situation.

However, Cheng Ben was not a very wealthy actor either.

He is not the type of actor who is a star; when things are good, he can earn 700,000 or 800,000 a year, and when things are bad, he might not even earn 30,000 or 40,000. It all depends on whether there is work and whether the work pays well.

Because the official recommended hotels provided by Xitu'er, even with a partner price for the crew of the Main Competition films, were much lower, but it still cost over a thousand dollars a night, so they finally decided to rent an apartment for a short term in a slightly remote area.

"Did Lu Yan He arrive so late?"

"Should be." Wang Shuai nodded, "I just saw the video of his fans picking him up at the airport online."

Cheng Ben: "Sigh, it's just a pity that he's leaving early the day after tomorrow."

"He is indeed very busy; he is very likely to win an Oscar this year." Wang Shuai took a deep breath, his eyes flickering, "Come to think of it, the film 'Tropical Rainy Season' started from the Xitu'er Film Festival."

"Yeah."

Both of their voices were lingering, with some meaning hidden in their words, not revealed. But the meaning was actually understood by both of them.

Who doesn't have a bit of ambition and a bit of desire?

Cheng Ben smiled and said to Wang Shuai: "Actually, Director, if you had managed to get Lu Yan He to star in it at the time, maybe the situation would be completely different now."

Wang Shuai shook his head, "No, this film cannot be acted by someone with a star halo; it can only be you."

Cheng Ben was stunned.

Wang Shuai suddenly realized that what he said... was quite tactless.

"Uh, I didn't mean that."

Cheng Ben smiled, "It's okay, having acted in this film, at least I have a film that has stood on the international stage, so I'm not a nobody anymore, right?"

Wang Shuai patted him on the shoulder.

"It will definitely work out."

That night, Lu Yan He specifically met Cheng Ben and Wang Shuai at the hotel; when the two of them arrived, wine and snacks were already set on the table.

He chatted with them for a long time about the stories behind the filming of "In the Tide," and smiled as he took a group photo with them, saying it was a pity he couldn't make it to the premiere of "In the Tide" at Xitu'er this time, but when "In the Tide" was released domestically, he would definitely try his best to show his support.

Wang Shuai and Cheng Ben did not expect that they would have such a great chat that night.

They didn't even mention to Lu Yan He any of the difficulties in filming the movie, but rather the excitement, happiness, and a sense of self-identity during the filming and creative process.

Lu Yan He was surprised by their attitude. However, generally good film directors and good filmmakers must have such an idealistic and pure side regarding film art.

Lu Yan He said: "I don't know if you have time tomorrow night? After my masterclass sharing ends in the afternoon, I will have dinner with some friends in Xitu'er in the evening. If you have time, I would like to invite you to come over and introduce you to them."

Wang Shuai and Cheng Ben showed a look of surprise upon hearing this.

"Okay, tomorrow night—" Wang Shuai paused for a moment, then immediately said, "We are free; we aren't famous people, so we don't have any plans."

Lu Yan He smiled and said: "When the day after tomorrow arrives, you will find that everything is completely different."

He had experienced it himself and felt it.

Really, overnight fame.

Xitu'er is such a place.

As long as your film is good, you will receive god-like tributes here.

He didn't do the kind of thing where he booked two rooms for them, let them sleep here, and not have to rush back late at night.

He knew what a person would be sensitive to when they were in a low position, what they would mind, and what their self-esteem would care about.

He also felt that there was no need to show a "favor" at such a time and in such a place.

A true favor is the gesture of respect they need now, and the opening of his social circle in Xitu'er to them tomorrow night.

It is also the group photo he posted on various social platforms thirty minutes later.

——Arrived in Xitu'er late at night, chatted about "In the Tide" with the talented Director Wang Shuai and Teacher Cheng Ben. I can't wait to watch this film, looking forward to the moment it meets us the day after tomorrow!

It was also the sentence Lu Yan He said to them before Wang Shuai and Cheng Ben left—

Bring some invitations for the premiere the day after tomorrow; you might need them.

Washing up, sleeping, the next morning, unable to sleep until he woke up naturally, he was woken up by Wang Biao at 8:30, washed up again, and then had to start doing makeup and styling early in the morning, changing clothes, because there were media interviews, and each one was only given twenty minutes.

Every time a reporter came in, Lu Yan He would always apologize first, because the itinerary was particularly tight this time, so he could only give them twenty minutes.

When every reporter left, Wang Biao would give them a note, saying that because the interview time was indeed very short today, if there were any follow-up questions, they could send them to this email address, and Lu Yan He would reply as soon as possible.

Although the six media outlets came and went in a hurry, they all felt like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

At noon, Lu Yan He had a working lunch with Xitu'er's artistic director, Wentu'er.

Lu Yan He hugged him warmly.

Wentu'er said: "Welcome back."

The two of them sat together, naturally talking about films.

They talked about the films of this year, directors and actors, and also about some interesting anecdotes from his North American awards season, including that "stunning" dress worn by Chen Bige.

Wentu'er said: "I really wish that dress had walked on our Xitu'er red carpet."

Lu Yan He smiled and said: "I will convey your words to her."

Wentu'er also asked about Lu Yan He's upcoming film projects.

Lu Yan He mentioned "Storm Calmer No. 1" and the play that Director Wang Zhong wrote for him and Chen Bige.

Wentu'er asked: "Can 'Storm Calmer No. 1' wait until this time next year?"

He clearly wanted to fight to get this film to Xitu'er.

Lu Yan He smiled and said: "I don't have the final say on this; I have to ask the opinions of Liu Bige and Long Yan's company, but I will convey it."

Wentu'er said: "The films you made in Hollywood can also come to Xitu'er for their premieres; we will arrange screening specifications no less than those of the Main Competition films."

Lu Yan He nodded: "If the time and schedule are appropriate, I will definitely prioritize bringing it to Xitu'er for an exhibition."

Wentu'er nodded with satisfaction.

In the afternoon, masterclass.

Lu Yan He shared his experiences.

He talked about his past experiences as an actor and screenwriter, and his understanding of film.

Naturally, there was also a session for free interaction afterward.

And what everyone was most interested in right now was still the journey to the Oscars.

Someone even asked directly: "Do you think you have a chance to take home that Oscar trophy this year?"

Lu Yan He smiled, his expression vibrant as he lowered his eyes for a few seconds before looking up, nodding, and saying: "Of course. If I didn't have a chance, why would I be staying in the United States lately? Could it be just to mooch off various cocktail parties and dinners every day?"

The entire room burst into laughter.

Wintour was also laughing very happily.

He was the host of the masterclass.

After it ended, Lu Yan He rested for a while before rushing to a restaurant to have dinner with the friends he had arranged to meet in Xitu'er, introducing Wang Shuai and Cheng Ben to them.

They were all famous filmmakers from various countries—directors, actors, and screenwriters—friends Lu Yan He had met at film festivals and kept in touch with since.

This included the jury member for the Xitu'er main competition unit from the year of "Sanshan," the famous Spanish actress Felani Ricci, as well as the British actress Lily Werton, with whom he had had a slight misunderstanding due to a "poker face" but who had since become friends through the matchmaking of Shang Yongzhou.

During the meal, Lu Yan He spoke with everyone privately for a while.

Just as it was about to end, Lu Yan He took Wang Shuai and personally handed an invitation to each of them.

At eight o'clock in the evening, Lu Yan He arrived at the open-air screening venue.

His two film works were to be screened here that night.

"Sanshan" and "Late Spring."

Over a thousand audience members gathered here.

As soon as Lu Yan He stepped onto the stage, he was greeted by applause and cheers that sounded like a roaring sea.

Wintour appeared once again.

He served as the opening guest for the event.

From his working lunch at noon, the masterclass in the afternoon, to the screening event in the evening, he hadn't missed a single place.

The film festival's official media account covered the entire process.

The courtesy and level of prestige were fully provided; no other main competition entry's creative team had received such treatment.

After the screening ended, Lu Yan He stood in the late-night wind, suddenly feeling very moved.

"At this moment, I am deeply touched inside because, to be honest, I have been a bit exhausted lately. But just now, sitting below and watching the film on the big screen, seeing the 'me' in that movie, my heart suddenly calmed down. I have never watched a movie with so many audience members before. I must admit, I wasn't watching very attentively because I kept secretly turning back to look at your reactions—I have already watched these two films many times. What I wanted to see more right now was actually the way you all looked while watching them. Then, I saw focus in the eyes and on the faces of many of you, a focus completely immersed in a film. I suddenly felt a very solid sense of strength, as if I had been fully revived. Thank you all for watching these two films here tonight, and thank you for soothing me like the gentle breeze tonight."

He waved his hand, bidding farewell to this year's Xitu'er Film Festival.

In the night wind, the moment he waved and stepped off the stage was captured in a photo: his eyes clear and bright, his smile clean, looking as if he were still that teenager who had come to Xitu'er for the first time with "Sanshan."

And when he was sitting on the plane flying back to the United States, at the premiere of "In the Waves," the media on-site never expected that this obscure, unregarded film would actually see the appearance of several big names.

After the premiere ended, "In the Waves" did not miraculously receive unanimous praise; the evaluation of the film's thematic expression was somewhat polarized.

However, almost every media outlet expressed appreciation and respect for the film's director and lead actor.

Meanwhile, the Sundance Film Festival in the United States also began.

Li Zhibai appeared at the Sundance Film Festival with the film "Buried."

Because the production company was Parameter, which did not meet the registration qualifications for the Sundance Film Festival, "Buried" only held screening activities at this festival and did not compete for any awards.

In fact, the Sundance Film Festival didn't have many awards anyway.

For a film, the characteristic of this festival is: if word-of-mouth explodes at the Sundance Film Festival, the market rating of that film will increase by several levels.

It's a bit like an "advance screening" test.

"Blood Simple," "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," "Past Lives," "CODA," "Manchester by the Sea," "Whiplash"... a large number of independent films that were double winners at the Oscars and the box office came out of this festival; even James Wan's "Saw" came out of this festival.

Many films weren't even planning to go to theaters, intending to sell directly to DVD, but because they screened at this festival and word-of-mouth exploded, they defied the odds, entered theaters, and even saw box office explosions.

That's right, the typical representative of this is "Saw."

Parameter wanted "Buried" to screen at the Sundance Film Festival precisely because "Buried" was a film very suitable for the Sundance Film Festival. If it went to the four major international film festivals, the effect would definitely not be as good as at Sundance—

To a certain extent, it could be said that the Sundance Film Festival is the American version of the Xitu'er Film Festival.

It is a film festival for the audience.

Lu Yan He, as the screenwriter, also made an appearance.

The exposure of the Sundance Film Festival in the United States is top-tier.

Lu Yan He's attendance was also one part of his public relations activities for this awards season.

The box office explosion of "Home Alone" had already secured very critical swing votes for him in this year's Oscar battle; it could be said that as long as there were no accidents later, this year's Best Supporting Actor would be his.

The momentum was right there.

And with the results of "Home Alone," everyone's expectations for "Buried" were raised accordingly.

This was completely one link after another.

Then, the word-of-mouth for "Buried" exploded as expected.

It wasn't just word-of-mouth; it was the response.

All media and audience members were attracted and shocked by the creativity of this film.

Everyone was discussing this film.

With this level of discussion, as long as the film didn't fumble, the box office definitely wouldn't be bad.

Because there was no precedent.

Throwing an actor into a coffin to film an entire movie—there was no one before him.

For the audience, this was the reason they walked into the cinema.

Was there any gimmick more hair-raising and yet making people want to see what it was all about than this?

Within a short half-year, from the awards-season explosion of the Oscar-chasing film "Tropical Rain" to the box office explosion of the screenplay film "Home Alone," and then to the Sundance Film Festival response explosion of the screenplay film "Buried," Lu Yan He's path was unstoppable.

In the entire Hollywood, no one could compete with him in these six months.

Zebby Doyle, facing everything happening before him, even felt a trace of inexplicable bewilderment.

Really, just as Lu Yan He said, it exploded.

Although it hadn't been released yet, and although it wasn't known how the box office would be.

But this film's production cost didn't even exceed 1.5 million US dollars.

And yet, such a film attracted the most discussion and attention at the Sundance Film Festival, leaving others in the dust.

"Lu, is 'Buried' developing a sequel?"

"Only this one." Lu Yan He smiled and shook his head.

Zebby Doyle: "Won't you consider it?"

Lu Yan He said: "Zebby, you should really consider the matter of 'Speed' well."

Subsequently, on February 15th, at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Lu Yan He took home the second Best Supporting Actor award among the four major indicators, almost as a matter of "public expectation."

Except for Clark's Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor, only the final British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actor remained to be announced.

However, by this time, it seemed no one felt that Clark could still pose a challenge to Lu Yan He.

February 18th, British Academy Film Awards.

The Best Supporting Actor award was a huge upset; Clark won the award, and he himself walked onto the podium in disbelief, then, in his excitement, lost his composure for a moment, saying "Fuck," "Wow," "My God" repeatedly...

Although Lu Yan He was a bit surprised, at this moment, he finally had the composure of a veteran of a hundred battles.

He controlled his expression and smiled.

After the British Academy Film Awards ended, everyone told him it didn't matter, there wouldn't be any changes, and this year's Oscar would definitely be his.

Lu Yan He smiled and waved his hand, saying: "Don't jinx me. Anyway, we have already tried our best. Whether I win the award or not, I have already gained a lot."

He told everyone to relax; it didn't matter.

There is no single thing that can always go smoothly.

It's fine, wait for the wind to come.

No rush. (End of chapter)