Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 83: Hollywood's hotly debated gambling game
In Berlin, the cold winter wind howled over Potsdamer Platz.

Potsdamer Platz, the cultural and commercial heart of Berlin, is now particularly lively because of the upcoming film festival.

A huge poster of the film festival hangs high above the main entrance of the Berlin Film Palace, heralding the approach of this film feast.

In a softly lit screening room inside the film festival's office building, members of the selection committee are sitting around a long table with a coffee pot and a plate of exquisite snacks on it. The walls are covered with posters of previous award-winning films.

Berlin's selection committee is composed of many senior film critics and filmmakers, including chief selector Marie-Pierre Duke and German film critic Peter Kraus.

They were nervously screening the last batch of films submitted for review. The light and shadow on the screen were reflected on their focused faces. They nodded and whispered from time to time.

The screen was currently playing the version of "Buried Alive" that had been submitted for review.

At first, several judges just watched casually, but as the plot unfolded, their expressions gradually became solemn.

Marie-Pierre Duke took off her glasses, rubbed her eyes, and whispered:
"Where is this movie from? Who directed it?"

Peter Kraus checked the information and then responded, "It seems to be sent from Hollywood. Director, let me take a look. Chen Wu..."

But when the name was said, everyone looked at each other.

"Is this the movie that was shot in fifteen days?"

"It seems so. It's a one-man show in a closed space, but it's filmed so tensely. It's very creative." A judge nodded in praise.

“Don’t tell me, I heard an interesting story from a friend in China a few days ago.

Wu, the director of "Buried Alive," made a bet with a famous director in his country about whether the film could enter the main competition unit of the Berlin Film Festival.

The room suddenly erupted in laughter.

"Interesting indeed. What's the stakes? Money?"

"Of course not, they are betting on a guest role." The man spread his hands.

Mary suggested, "Okay, let's vote by raising our hands. Those who agree to allow Buried Alive to enter the main competition unit, please raise your hands."

Everyone raised their hands, and the unique charm of "Buried Alive" almost made them pass unanimously.

A few days later, the official website of the Berlin Film Festival updated the final shortlist.

21 films competed for the final "Golden Bear", with Europe accounting for half of the total, with as many as 12 films, America (mainly the United States) accounting for 4 films, and Africa and Asia having a total of 5 works.

South Korean films, which have been rapidly rising in Asia, have disappeared this year, while China's representative works are Gu Changwei's "Peacock" and Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang's new film "A Cloud on the Horizon".

That year, Zhang Yimou's "Red Sorghum" won the Berlin "Golden Bear" and caused a sensation in the world film scene.

Gu Changwei, who was the photographer of "Red Sorghum" at the time, participated in the competition for the Golden Bear Award as a director fifteen years later. This seemed like a reincarnation, and there was constant heated discussion in the industry about it.

When the list of the main competition unit rolled, Wu Chen's "Buried Alive" was on the list.

Moreover, Dieter Kosslick, President of the Berlin Film Festival, specifically talked about his views on "Buried" in an interview with reporters:

"I am deeply moved by Wu Chen's new film. It is a truly outstanding work in this year's film festival competition! As for whether it will win an award, that will be decided by the jury chaired by Roland Emmerich."

As soon as the news came out, not only the domestic film industry was instantly in an uproar, but even the Hollywood media circle was like a ignited powder keg, quickly exploding.

Wu Chen's "Buried" was strongly nominated for its astonishing speed of completing the film in 15 days and its unique one-man monologue format. Although it did not completely subvert people's traditional perception of filmmaking, it is indeed astonishing.

The media who participated in the press conference for the wrap of Buried were extremely excited and published headlines one after another:
The Hollywood Reporter: [Buried, filmed in 15 days, has been shortlisted for the Berlin Main Competition. Wu Chen proves that talent knows no boundaries!]

Variety: Wu Chen's Buried: From Hollywood to Berlin, a low-budget film's road to success!

Los Angeles Times: [21-year-old Chinese director Wu Chen conquered Berlin with 'Buried,' proving that quality has nothing to do with shooting time, but with people!] These reports not only focused on "Buried" itself, but also used Wu Chen's age, shooting time, and cost as fascinating highlights, attracting countless eyeballs.

Discussions from netizens flooded in like a tide:

"A movie shot in 15 days can be accepted into Berlin? The world is really getting crazy!"

"What exactly is 'Buried' about? I really want to go see it. When will it be released?"

"I heard he made a bet with a big Chinese director, and if he wins, he gets to make a cameo appearance. How cool!"

"."

Meanwhile, Jason Blum was calling to congratulate Wu Chen: "Wu, as you wish."

"Thank you!" Wu Chen smiled, "Remember to inform Bell!"

"Of course, he already knows and is excitedly asking you to come over for a drink next time!"

"Can't we hold the celebration party in Berlin?" Wu Chen asked back, which made Jason Blum stunned for a moment, and then he burst into laughter.

"Wu, I really like your style!"

The reaction to the news in the country was even more intense than in Hollywood.

The bet between Wu Chen and Feng Xiaogang has long been a hot topic in and outside the circle. Now that "Buried" has been shortlisted for the main competition unit in Berlin, it has directly pushed this event to a climax.

Major media outlets rushed to publish reports, with each headline more eye-catching than the last:
Entertainment Live: [Wu Chen's "Buried" was shortlisted for the Berlin Film Festival, Feng Xiaogang lost the bet, and a cameo appearance is a foregone conclusion!]

Southern Metropolis Daily: [Foshan director Wu Chen shot a Berlinale film in just 15 days, breaking Chinese film history!]

Sina Entertainment: [From "The Dark Side" to "Buried Alive," 21-year-old Wu Chen embarks on a journey of genius!]

The media not only reported the achievement of "Buried Alive", but also frequently mentioned the details of the bet.

The drama of this gamble makes the report full of highlights.

Netizens have sparked heated discussions on platforms such as Tianya and BBS.

"Oh my god, Wu Chen is awesome! He shot a Berlinale film in just 15 days. Damn, that's two weeks and a day."

"Wow, what on earth is this movie about? How can this be okay?"

"Nah, I want to try Wu Chen's plastic surgery too. I can't shoot it in a month, but I think I can do it in fifteen days."

"Get lost! You can't even shoot in a day. Do you really think Wu Chen is bad? Just look at his first work and you'll know. The composition and visuals are in no way inferior to those of veteran directors!"

"."

On the campus of Beijing Film Academy, Wu Chen's achievements were like a spring breeze, sparking heated discussions and diluting the gloom of Zhang Yimou's failure in the Golden Globe Award.

Not far away, in the conference room of Beijing Film Academy, the presidents and vice presidents of several major departments, and the presidents and vice presidents of independent departments sat together for a meeting. Zhang Huijun was in high spirits on the stage, chatting about Wu Chen.

Mu Deyuan just listened and didn't say much during the subsequent discussion, just a sentence or two, which was clear, concise and straightforward.

Invisible pretense is the most deadly.

At this moment, Li Wei felt this deeply and could not help but sigh: "Old Mu is still more powerful. I am ashamed of myself."

The Department of Performance, Department of Management, Department of Literature, and Department of Directing all congratulated Mu Deyuan, who responded with a faint smile, looking calm and composed.

Zhang Huijun, who was sitting in the main seat, twitched his lips.
(End of this chapter)