Chapter 55: Go All Out

What Old Tian did not know was that the outgoing Venice Film Festival president, Alberto Barbera, had already promoted Marco Müller to be in charge of the entire selection process for the Venice Film Festival.

It was clear that Marco Müller had been given a position of great importance, becoming one of the figures second only to the festival president.

Perhaps he was now also one of the candidates for the Venice Film Festival presidency.

In fact, that was the case; Marco Müller became the president of the Venice Film Festival in 2004, served for two consecutive terms until 2012, and then handed the Venice Film Festival presidency back to Alberto Barbera.

Well, the Italians are also masters of politics; no wonder they always manage to end up as winners in every major war.

Marco Müller was among the first group of international students from Italy to come to China and could speak fluent Mandarin. Since becoming a member of the Venice Film Festival selection committee in 1980, he had spared no effort in promoting domestic films.

He had a deep friendship with many directors of the Fifth and Sixth Generations, and after stepping down as president of the Venice Film Festival, he moved the focus of his work and life to China.

He settled in Shanghai with his wife and daughter, becoming a distinguished professor at a Shanghai university and the artistic director of its film art research center.

Marco Müller’s contribution to Chinese-language cinema was immense; the fact that Chinese-language films had won so many awards in Venice over the years was largely due to his efforts.

He was even considered the primary force who systematically introduced domestic films to the West.

He would later receive the China-Italy Friendship Contribution Award from the State Council.

Cao Yang vaguely recalled that during Marco Müller’s first four-year term, aside from the first year when he had just taken office and likely did not have full authority, he had awarded the Golden Lion to Chinese filmmakers for three consecutive years starting from the second year, almost causing public outrage in the West.

Jia Zhangke was the one who won the Golden Lion during this period.

No wonder Hou Ke had hinted so vaguely that he should go discuss it with Old Tian.

"You probably don't know yet, but he is now the selection head and artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, with power second only to the festival president and the organizing committee chairman."

Cao Yang explained to Old Tian.

Now it was Old Tian’s turn to be surprised, and he said in disbelief: "Old Ma is that capable now? I always thought he was just in charge of the Asian region, occasionally acting as the president of some bush-league film festival to pad his resume."

He then muttered to himself: "No wonder when I called to ask him this time if he could find out who would be the jury president, he didn't hesitate at all and told me directly that they might invite Nanni Moretti, who had just won the Palme d'Or at Cannes."

He then slapped the table: "Don't worry, our film's quality is very high this time, and with Old Ma here, we definitely won't return empty-handed; at the very least, we can snag a Silver Lion."

Cao Yang took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.

Before knowing Old Tian had this connection, his greatest ambition was to win a Grand Jury Prize or Best Director with the school's help.

If Sony Classics and mk2 put in more effort for the sake of overseas box office, Best Actor at Venice shouldn't be a problem, and if he let Yu Feihong find some connections herself, they could even covet Best Actress.

To be honest, Cao Yang had never thought about the Venice Golden Lion before.

But now, the opportunity had suddenly fallen from the sky.

Marco Müller, this old friend of the Chinese people, this newly appointed Venice artistic director—who would have thought he was a close friend of Old Tian?

Cao Yang said softly to Old Tian, as if talking to himself: "Sony Classics has people on the organizing committee, mk2 has ties to the jury president Nanni Moretti, and the school can certainly pull some other strings. If the festival's number three man, Marco Müller, puts in some effort, Senior Brother..."

Cao Yang then clapped his hands: "Senior Brother, when we submit the film to Venice, I'll list you as a producer too!"

"You..." Old Tian opened his mouth, then sighed. Of course, he understood what Cao Yang meant. What were the Golden Bear, Golden Lion, and Palme d'Or? They were for Best Film, where the director and producer go on stage together to receive the award.

When Marco Müller knew that Old Tian was one of the producers of this film, could he not do his best to help?

Cao Yang had a good plan.

But would Old Tian refuse? Could he refuse?

That was the Golden Lion, the highest award at Venice! It was the dream of a lifetime for countless directors; with this, calling oneself an artist would be an understatement.

"Aren't you afraid of trouble from above? I'm still under a directing ban." Old Tian reminded him with a lack of confidence; he was truly feeling anxious about gains and losses.

"Hey! If I listed you as a producer before the film censorship, to be honest, I really wouldn't dare; I'd be afraid those people would look for trouble.

But it's already finished now, isn't it? As long as I can get that award, would anyone dare say anything to me? We haven't violated anything on the surface, and you aren't the director, just a producer."

"And what if we still don't get it?"

Old Tian asked curiously: "Aren't you afraid they'll come for you when you get back?"

"If we still don't get it, then it truly is a case of human effort failing against destiny. I've done everything I can; if I still don't get it, it just means I'm not fated for the Golden Lion."

Cao Yang picked up a large mouthful of food, chewing it vigorously with a crunching sound. After swallowing, he picked up the beer bottle and finished it in one go.

!

He slammed the beer bottle onto the table, wiped his mouth with his hand, and said fiercely: "If we don't get it, so be it, but as long as they dare to look for trouble and block my censorship, I'll go straight to Hollywood to chase an Oscar!"

Old Tian followed Cao Yang’s example, finished his beer in one go, and wiped his mouth.

"Since you have the resolve, then let's do it! Don't worry, if they block your censorship because of this, I'll be your personal cinematographer. Wherever you go, I'll follow!"

After saying this, Old Tian stood up and walked out.

Cao Yang hurriedly called out to him: "Where are you going?"

"To make a call."

Old Tian waved his hand: "This matter is better done early than late. The earlier we act, the better our chances. I have to get Old Ma to act quickly, so it doesn't get snatched up by someone else, damn it."

Seeing Old Tian leave, Cao Yang tried his best to calm himself down.

He had used every connection he could mobilize to the limit, the film’s quality was good, and it was a female-themed film that was easy to award. If he couldn't win after doing all this, then there was truly no other way.

With the addition of the Marco Müller connection, Cao Yang knew he couldn't hide it. He had to communicate with the school and Sony Classics; only by working together sincerely and finding the right strategy to push hard could they have a chance of success.

At the same time, it was also to give Sony Classics and mk2 confidence, letting them know that there was a number three man in Venice pushing for it. Only when they saw the possibility of success would they make up their minds to do their best.

When Hou Ke learned that Cao Yang was planning to give Old Tian a producer credit, he didn't blame Cao Yang; instead, he thought even more highly of him.

This move was truly brilliant!

If Tian Zhuangzhuang wasn't listed as a producer, Marco Müller would still help, but it would be hard to say how much effort he would put in.

But now that Tian Zhuangzhuang was also a producer—in a narrow sense, Best Film rewards both the producer and the director—this was something that could be written into a resume and recognized. Even if it were just for Tian Zhuangzhuang’s sake, Marco Müller would do his utmost to help.

This timing was perfect; opportunities must not be missed. If one were still hesitant and unwilling to go all out at this moment, then their future achievements would be limited.

(End of chapter)