Chapter 541

In the afternoon, there were only film screenings and movie-related merchandise exhibitions.

The screened films included both art-house and commercial films, but mostly well-known art-house films such as Silent Witness, Return, The Master, and Bound.

All these films possessed commercial qualities.

The merchandise exhibition consisted of movie props and such items; genuine domestic films rarely had any merchandise unless they were animation films.

These props merely offered people something novel to look at.

There were no director discussions on film development, no roundtables on the future of cinema—these were all pointless, talking without producing anything.

The same old topics—lifting censorship, going global—were nothing but wishful thinking by filmmakers.

As the red carpet time approached, the crowd flowing into Galaxy International grew increasingly dense.

They wandered around, carrying backpacks, taking photos; occasionally, one could spot celebrities or internet influencers taking selfies and uploading them online to boost their popularity.

Several major figures appeared in succession: Zhang Hongsen, Zhang Huijun, and Chairman of the Film Association Li Xuejian.

The current chairman of the Film Association was not Chen Daoming, but Li Xuejian and Tang Guoqiang.

Given their status, they were naturally accompanied by Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian, and the group was chatting and laughing together.

"Xiao Fang, your film festival is really lively!" Zhang Hongsen said, noting the large crowds he'd seen along the way.

He'd also heard many people would attend.

"I spent a lot of money on promotion and used up some face and favors, but since it's just starting, of course the priority is liveliness—authority takes time to build," Fang Hong said.

Zhang Hongsen nodded, understanding; those favors would have to be repaid later.

But doing this was unavoidable—some people couldn't be bought with money; if they came, it was out of respect for the Principal.

"If you run this too well, how will the Golden Rooster Awards save face?" Li Xuejian spoke plainly.

If the Macau Film Festival becomes too successful, it will inevitably dampen the Golden Rooster's popularity and authority; everyone will come here instead of going to the Golden Rooster.

Of course, the Golden Rooster currently has no authority and few attendees anyway.

"I'm not worrying about how the Golden Rooster saves face—I'm worrying about how the Golden Horse Awards save face. The Golden Rooster is already beyond saving; the Golden Horse could still replace it." Fang Hong spoke bluntly.

"Hahaha, let's go take a look at the film festival," Zhang Hongsen laughed loudly, waving his hand to end the topic, signaling they should head to the festival site.

This topic couldn't be discussed deeply—it would only cause trouble.

Liu Tianxian walked beside Fang Hong, listening without speaking.

The several major figures arrived at the award ceremony venue in two small sedans, with black-clad bodyguards leading the way on either side, stopping at the steps of the square.

This grand display naturally drew the attention of the crowd—who was this important person?

Except for the red carpet and when picking up stars, no sedans were allowed to enter at this time; if one appeared, its occupant must be of extraordinary status.

One could say Fang Hong had granted them sufficient courtesy.

Reporters, like sharks smelling blood, immediately swarmed with cameras and lenses, and passersby also gathered to watch the spectacle.

First out of the car was Fang Hong, then he helped Liu Tianxian out; seeing them, reporters instantly began snapping photos "pili-pala," with lights flashing continuously.

From the other car emerged Zhang Hongsen, Zhang Huijun, and Li Xuejian; sharp-eyed reporters recognized them and kept photographing.

The scene and spectacle resembled a state leader's procession.

After they stepped out, the black-clad security personnel parted the crowd ahead, allowing the sedans to depart smoothly.

Due to the excitement and rumors of Liu Tianxian's presence, the gathering crowd grew larger and larger, surrounding the area three layers deep; some even held up phones to record.

A reporter asked: "Principal, it's said you're leading this Macau Film Awards ceremony—how will you ensure fairness and impartiality?"

"Fairness and impartiality aren't defined by me, but by everyone. After this award ceremony concludes, people will have their own judgment." Fang Hong replied.

"You also run a film company—how can you guarantee this festival won't become Yutu Film's award ceremony?" the reporter asked.

Meaning: would the awards be given only to Yutu Film, excluding films from other companies?

"No. Everything depends on film quality—let the works speak for themselves. No backroom deals, no underhanded tactics," Fang Hong answered firmly.

Of course, he said this—but whether others believed him was another matter.

But someone would say something regardless.

"Director Zhang, do you think the Macau Film Festival will be as the Principal describes?" A reporter turned the microphone toward Zhang Hongsen.

"I can't say much yet, but I'm looking forward to it—I hope this film festival turns out respectable," Zhang Hongsen said.

"Chairman Li Xuejian, what motivated you to attend this film festival?" the reporter asked.

"I hope to see a fair and impartial film festival, and I also hope China's film industry prospers," Li Xuejian replied, as always politically correct in public.

His words rang with conviction.

"Are you dissatisfied that the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards gave Best Actor to Wen Zhang two years ago?" the reporter asked.

"No, no, no."

Li Xuejian quickly denied it, adding: "Every nominee that year was outstanding. I believe the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Committee made thorough considerations."

This was a diplomatic answer, offending no one.

Two years ago at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards, ten actors competed for Best Actor: Fang Long, Ren Dahua, Chen Daoming, Zhao Wenxuan, Guo Fucheng, Huang Lixing, Liu Ye, Chen Kun, Li Xuejian, and Wenzhang.

The award went to Wenzhang for Ocean Paradise; all others lost badly.

Of course, many didn't attend that ceremony; Li Xuejian did attend, competing with Yang Shanzhou but losing—it was all rather abstract.

No matter how high your status, if you don't deserve it, you don't get it; next year, this man was fooled again by the Magnolia Awards.

The reason: during the 21st Magnolia Awards selection, Li Xuejian's film received no nomination at all—the long take of the elderly father with Alzheimer's stubbornly wanting a drink.

Ironically, Huang Lei, who played his son, won Best Actor instead.

Li Xuejian's wife couldn't accept it and publicly condemned the Magnolia Awards, saying they showed no respect to her husband; the public erupted in criticism and abuse.

But the nominations had already been announced; it was impossible to add him now. The matter was settled, and that was the end of it.

But the Magnolia Awards pulled a strange move: they specially created an Outstanding Contribution Award and explicitly named Li Xuejian as the recipient.

This left Li Xuejian in a bind—accepting it was awkward, refusing it was worse.

The award winner says he's a hypocrite—after all that fuss, he was just venting because he wanted this award; if he doesn't accept it, you've gone and made such a big scene out of it. Either way, it's quite a dilemma.

But this is reality—no fair competition, it feels more like a commendation ceremony.

No wonder the Golden Horse Awards have always been the benchmark; the competition really is too weak.

After interviewing Li Xuejian, the reporter handed the microphone to Zhang Huijun and asked: "Principal Zhang, what do you think of the film festival Principal put on this time?"

"I'm very proud. Our Beijing Film Academy has produced such an outstanding student. I hope he can stay true to his original aspiration and forge ahead." Zhang Huijun was very optimistic.

The arrival of these figures can be said to have added a layer of elevation to the film festival, giving it a more professional feel.

After all, these people are all authorities in the field.

After the interview, they stood together for a group photo. Liu Tianxian stood beside Fang Hong, one hand resting on his shoulder, her figure graceful, wearing a gown. The photo was captured, and naturally such a photo was posted online—the images and text spread in real time.

Seeing Liu Tianxian first take photos with government officials, and now with such authorities, her fans also felt a shared honor.

But passersby were indifferent, only feeling that Liu Tianxian has changed now, not sure where exactly, they just felt her status and level kept rising—this is a subtle, 潜移默化 influence.

It feels like she's no longer on the same level as ordinary celebrities; the people she comes into contact with are all officials, all authorities in the film and television circle.

Those celebrities are still spinning their wheels in place.

Zhang Hongsen and the others were arranged into a lounge, with dedicated staff to attend to them, waiting for the film festival to begin.

People like them don't walk the red carpet; they'll just head straight into the awards ceremony venue when the time comes.

They can't be like celebrities, striking poses on the red carpet.

After settling them in, Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian went to pick up another important figure.

Liu Tianxian asked: "Who are we picking up this time?"

"Universal's boss, Donna." Fang Hong said.

Donna had arrived last night, and upon arrival was arranged into the Venetian Hotel to adjust to the time difference.

She was staying at the same hotel as Fang Hong and the others.

"Oh, dear Hong, years haven't changed—you're still as handsome as ever." Donna gave Fang Hong a warm hug the moment she saw him.

She was still the same as ever—a typical Western face, with a head full of hair coiled up like the snakes on Medusa's head.

"Thanks. You're the second person in this world to call me handsome." Fang Hong quipped.

"Oh, who's the first?" Donna asked, puzzled.

"It's the one beside me—my wife now." Fang Hong introduced Liu Tianxian.

Liu Tianxian kept a smile and greeted her: "Hello, President Tang."

"Your wife is so beautiful, like an angel. We have the same good taste."

Donna's words made Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian laugh out loud—she was quite witty and humorous.

"Thank you, President Tang." Liu Tianxian nodded.

"Let's go, let's take a stroll around the film festival." Fang Hong gestured.

"Has it started now?" Donna asked.

"Not yet. With a big shot like you here, how could we not show your face to everyone and have you hold up the scene for my film festival, right?" Fang Hong spoke very directly, though in a witty tone.

"Hahaha, then I'll go take a look." Donna laughed heartily, showing her understanding.

When a figure like her shows up, it adds an international flavor and international talking points to the film festival. The higher-ups would take notice and hold it in higher regard.

If she didn't go around and show her face, wouldn't that be a real loss?

The main thing is whether Gong Huang has arrived or not—she's being mysterious, not saying a word about whether she's coming.

Fang Hong didn't call her either; just notifying her was enough. Whether she comes is her business. Calling repeatedly to urge her would make him look cheap.

The three of them still took a sedan to the awards ceremony venue, with two rows of bodyguards in black still leading the way, still stopping at the steps of the plaza.

This kind of presence was still grand, still drawing sidelong glances from the crowd in the plaza—wondering which big shot had arrived now.

Only this kind of thing draws attention.

The three stepped out of the car one by one, and some sharp-eyed people immediately recognized that it was Universal's boss, Donna.

This inevitably surprised people. The earlier figures coming to this film festival could be understood—after all, it was within their business scope. But the appearance of Universal's boss Donna carried a rather unusual flavor.

It could be said to have added an international quality to this Macau Film Festival, elevating its level infinitely.

Who would have thought that a previously unremarkable film festival would see so many big figures this edition, and such a big figure at that.

After all, she is one of the Hollywood Six Majors—her status is higher than any domestic filmmaker.

"Ms. Donna, may I ask why you've come to attend this Macau Film Festival?" a reporter hurriedly shoved a microphone forward and asked.

Other reporters, who hadn't been clear before but now heard about such a big figure, swarmed in, surrounding them in an impenetrable ring. This commotion was even bigger than the earlier one.

Two security personnel shielded them in the middle, to keep the reporters from rushing them.

The reporters didn't care about any of that—they just hoisted up their cameras and started snapping photos, shoved microphones forward and started interviewing, wishing they could shove them right in your face.

Even some passersby, upon hearing the news, couldn't help but feel a bit surprised—that such a big figure would actually attend their China's film festival. That backbone is pretty stiff.

Donna stood in the middle, with Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian on either side.

"I came this time at General Manager Fang's invitation. General Manager Fang has always been a filmmaker I greatly admire, and has been my partner for many years." Donna responded.

"So do you have a close personal relationship with General Manager Fang?" the reporter probed for gossip.

"Yes, we're good friends." Donna said.

Hearing this, the press corps stirred. They hadn't expected the Principal's influence to be so great that he could actually invite Universal's boss.

They had assumed it was an invitation from the Macau officials.

"Then for this trip to the Macau Film Festival, will you be selecting some domestic films for international distribution? To promote Chinese-language cinema?" the reporter asked.

"Chinese-language films have always performed very well in the International Market. Take this session's Big Hero 6 for example—it can be said to have created a box office miracle.

Although that's an animated film, it恰恰 proves that Chinese-language films have great market potential and audience appeal internationally.

If I see good Chinese-language films this time, I'll choose to purchase them."

Donna first praised Chinese-language cinema, then indicated her intent to purchase.

After all, at such an event, praise was expected; since she was here, she had to buy some films back—otherwise, the Principal likely wouldn't let her leave.

This was the established unwritten rule from the start: buy a few films to give the Principal face.

"We previously noticed that Universal also distributed several films starring Liu Tianxian. Will you collaborate with Liu Tianxian in the future?" the reporter asked.

The films mentioned were "Lucy" and "Now You See Me," both distributed overseas by Universal.

"I've also paid attention to Miss Liu's performances in film. She's an excellent actress. If there's a suitable project and role, I believe we could collaborate," Donna said.

"What about you, Tianxian? Have you considered collaborating with Universal?" the reporter turned the microphone toward Liu Tianxian.

"I look forward to collaborating with Universal. Of course, as General Manager Donna said, it depends on whether the role is suitable," Liu Tianxian replied without hesitation.

If the role was unsuitable—say, one requiring excessive nudity or exposure—she wouldn't accept it.

Hollywood had approached her before; there were offers, but the roles were too pornographic—always nudity or exposure, and worse.

Westerners were wilder in this regard, and she couldn't accept it.

Of course, if the role was respectable and not a villain, she'd take it. Villains required consideration—after all, she was Chinese; playing villains hurt national sentiment.

After the interview ended, Fang Hong, Liu Tianxian, and Donna raised their thumbs and took a group photo.

(End of Chapter)