Reshaping the landscape of the Chinese entertainment industry

Chapter 70 The Dog Barks Again! (Now Available, Please Subscribe!)

After everyone was seated...

The host walked onto the stage and gave his opening remarks in Italian and English, alternating between the two languages.

He Yi'an doesn't understand Italian very well, but he has no problem with English.

The Venice Film Festival closing ceremony was very straightforward. After the host gave a long speech, perhaps to lighten the serious atmosphere, the host would occasionally call out to the directors and actors in the audience.

"We are delighted to see an 18-year-old director from China come to Venice. Venice is keen to give young directors opportunities."

Ale, welcome to Venice.

The camera focused on He Yi'an, who smiled at the camera.

Next, we will introduce the judges of the judging panel, led by the chairperson of the judging panel, Gong Li.

After the judges finished their introductions, the awards ceremony began immediately.

The first unit to start is the countercurrent unit.

The Special Mention Award was given to "Public Toilet" by Hong Kong director Chan Kwok.

Then came the San Marco Award (Best Film).

When the words "Tian Zhuangzhuang" from "Spring in a Small Town" were read aloud, everyone in He Yi'an's crew, including Han Sanping, responded with enthusiastic applause.

After awarding the Silver Lion for Best Short Film, the highly anticipated main competition awards ceremony was then held.

Even though He Yi'an knew he would win the award, he still felt nervous.

However, the initial awards are mostly small ones, and the first one is usually the Best Newcomer Award, which is more of a consolation prize.

Sure enough, the host's voice rang out without pause: "First up is the Marcello Mastroianni Award!"

The winner is one—

The host opened the envelope, glanced at it, and looked somewhat surprised.

"Oasis, Moon So-ri! South Korea! Fireworks in the Human World, Yan Dan-chen! China!"

The audience erupted in applause once again.

Yan Danchen was stunned; she hadn't expected to win an award.

And he's the best newcomer?

Is she a newcomer?

Whether you consider it a TV series or a movie, she doesn't really qualify.

Of course, on a platform where she plays the lead role in a film and is presented internationally, she is indeed a newcomer.

However, the way this award was received—well, to put it another way—left Yan Danchen with a feeling of being both amused and exasperated.

He Yi'an hadn't expected his crew to be the first one chosen. Although it was a consolation prize, seeing Yan Danchen's bewildered expression, he still nudged her: "Senior! Go up and accept your award!"

Yan Danchen stood up, her eyes regaining their calmness, yet tinged with regret.

She walked onto the stage, accepted the trophy, and after Wen Suli finished speaking, she stood in front of the microphone, her voice clear and steady.

"Thank you Venice Film Festival, thank you to the jury."

"Thank you, Director He Yi'an; thank you, Teacher Li Baotian; thank you to everyone who has helped me—"

The speech was short, and he bowed before stepping off the stage.

Back in her seat, she breathed a slight sigh of relief, and thinking that she seemed to have finally gained recognition, tears finally streamed down her face.

He Yi'an pulled a few tissues from a pack of tissues in Yu Feihong's hand and handed them to her: "Senior, don't cry, your makeup will be ruined. If you get caught on camera, people will think I'm abusing my employees."

Yan Danchen immediately burst into laughter through her tears: "Boss, what are you saying? But thank you anyway."

"Why are you thanking me? You acted so well yourself."

Yan Danchen shook her head and said nothing.

She knew that if it weren't for He Yi'an, she might never have gotten this role, never come to Venice, and never have won this award.

Yan Danchen was not an ungrateful person. Recalling her previous experiences, she knew very well that her fate probably only began to change after she met He Yi'an.

Whenever she thinks about these things, she is filled with gratitude for He Yi'an.

If it weren't for He Yi'an and Langyuan, she probably wouldn't even know where she would be playing minor roles.

Yu Feihong, who was standing to the side, noticed Yan Danchen's gaze and felt a deep empathy for her emotions.

Although she has some fame in China, she is only ever chosen for roles in films.

So the two women may not seem to be exchanging much, but their feelings are perfectly in sync at this moment.

However, He Yi'an was in no mood to pay attention to Yan Danchen and Yu Feihong's thoughts at the moment, because he was feeling rather awkward.

After all, the unspoken rule for attending the closing ceremony is that there will be a prize, but to receive a prize right away is not a good omen.

After all, the really good awards are yet to come.

"Is this all there is to it?" He Yi'an felt a little panicked.

However, he soon discovered something that didn't match his memory, because there were very few Venice awards that year.

However, many technical awards that were not originally included have now been reinstated.

For example, the music award went to "Love on a Journey" and the best editing award went to "Mental Hospital".

Just as He Yi'an was comparing these changes, the host announced another award that had not been given out in 2002.

"The quality of the films in this year's competition is extremely high. Films such as 'Fireworks in the World,' 'Far from Paradise,' and 'Oasis' have outstanding achievements in their scripts. Good stories should be seen by more people."

"The winner of the Golden Osera Award for Best Screenplay is—'Fireworks in the Human World'!"

"Using a bowl of hot noodles as a vehicle, it finds a gentle balance between government policies and the everyday life of ordinary people. It doesn't shy away from reality, nor does it resort to deliberate sentimentality; instead, it uses ample white space to depict the capriciousness of fate, perfectly blending Eastern subtlety with Western narrative wisdom. This is a script with warmth, depth, and a strong stance —"

The host's voice still echoed in the auditorium as he read the award citation.

The applause from the entire audience has begun.

He Yi'an was stunned; at this moment, he had almost figured it out.

These awards, which were originally discontinued, are probably the price Gong Li paid for securing them for him.

Seeing that he didn't seem to have reacted yet, Yan Danchen nudged him from the side: "Boss! You won an award!"

"Best Screenplay —"

He Yi'an came to his senses, stood up, and walked onto the stage. Although it wasn't what he wanted most, he wouldn't mind getting it.

After receiving the trophy, He Yi'an stood in front of the microphone and looked at the audience below the stage.

"Thank you," he said in English. "Thank you for the Venice Film Festival, thank you to the chairman of the organizing committee, and thank you to all the jury members."

"Thank you to my actors, Mr. Li Baotian and Ms. Yan Danchen, thank you to my team, thank you to my parents, and thank you to my school, Beijing Film Academy, for their support."

"—Finally, thank you, my motherland."

Applause erupted again.

He Yi'an raised the trophy and walked off the stage.

Back in his seat, Han Sanping patted him on the shoulder: "Good lad! Well said, and your awareness is good too!"

He Yi'an knew what Han Sanping meant by enlightenment. He smiled, but after the smile, he felt a little uneasy.

They consecutively awarded Best Newcomer and Best Screenplay.

Is this what he wants?

He certainly still had some unrealistic ideas, but after winning two awards in a row, he knew the chances were slim.

Then came the Catholic Culture Award, the FIPRESCI Prize (International Film Critics Award), and the Jury Special Prize—all three were awarded to Lee Chang-dong's "Oasis".

Lee Chang-dong's complexion worsened as he took to the stage three times in a row.

Of these awards, the most prestigious is probably the Jury Special Award.

But this is only a reward for the third tier.

With Oasis already having won four awards, the chances of it winning any more are slim.

It's worth noting that Oasis consistently received high ratings in the festival's program, leading many to believe it was a strong contender for the top awards.

But now that possibility is almost nonexistent.

Next comes the real grand prize segment.

The Volpi Cup Best Actor and Actress awards have little to do with "Fireworks in the Human World," but Yan Danchen and Li Baotian are both full of anticipation. In fact, just being able to come here is worthwhile, and this performance is a shining achievement on their resumes.

Of course, that's what they say, but before they've really confirmed it, they still have unrealistic ideas in their minds.

But when the results came out, the two were still somewhat disappointed.

"It's alright, there will be other opportunities in the future," He Yi'an comforted the two actors.

"Next up is the Silver Lion for Best Director."

After the presenter went on stage and read out the list of nominees, he finally announced the name: "The Silver Lion for Best Director at the 59th Venice International Film Festival goes to—He Yi'an for *Fireworks in the Human World*. Congratulations!"

"We won an award! We won an award! It's Best Director!!"

After the guest read out He Yi'an's name, Yan Danchen and Yu Feihong were even happier than he was!

The two hugged He Yi'an tightly.

"Quickly, send the news back to China! Director He Yi'an has won an award, Best Director at the Venice Film Festival!! This is the first Best Director award for China, hurry!!" The domestic reporters present immediately sent the news back to China.

The Best Director at Venice at the age of 18!

This is unprecedented in the country!

Domestically, the production team of the TV series "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils".

"Mom, He Yi'an really won awards, Best Screenplay and Best Director at Venice!!" Liu Yifei, who had been following the news closely, jumped for joy!

"This... she won an award?" Liu Xiaoli was genuinely surprised as she looked at the news flashing across the screen.

She originally thought the Best Screenplay award would be good enough, but she didn't expect there to be an even bigger one!

"Xixi, quickly send Yi'an a message to congratulate him!" Liu Xiaoli hurriedly took out her phone and handed it to her.

"Hmph~" Liu Yifei pretended to be reluctant as she took it, "Okay~"

"Hurry up!" Seeing her daughter still acting so clueless at such a crucial moment, Liu Xiaoli slapped her bottom again. "Don't be so childish!"

"It's only right that we congratulate him on our acquaintance. We shouldn't feel any sense of obligation or obligation; it's simply a matter of courtesy between people."

"Okay, I got it~" Liu Yifei looked solemn after being lectured by Liu Xiaoli.

Then, after walking to a corner where no one was paying attention, she suddenly beamed with joy and began sending text messages to He Yi'an.

All I can say is that Liu Yifei used all her acting skills on her mother!

Venice News Flash. Chinese director He Yi'an won the Silver Lion for Best Director and the Best Screenplay Award at the 59th Venice International Film Festival for his film "Fireworks".

The movie channel website featured it on its front page immediately.

Director He has won Best Director at the Venice Film Festival!

"The 18-year-old who won Best Director at Venice!!"

The domestic film industry is in an uproar.

"Where are those people who said he had no chance of winning and that he was a disgrace? Come out and show yourselves!"

On portal websites, under various news articles that were originally criticizing He Yi'an, similar messages have started to appear, and many people have begun to delete their comments.

As He Yi'an's alma mater, Beijing Film Academy immediately reported the news, and Mu Deyuan laughed heartily with joy.

However, Mu Deyuan was not very experienced and didn't think to put up a banner immediately.

It was Zhang Huijun who reminded him that he should put up a banner, and only then did he realize what was going on.

Then they quickly contacted GG Company to rush the production. This was a major event for the photography department, even more so than for the directing department.

The faculty and students in the directing department will definitely have some thoughts when they see this, but Mu Deyuan doesn't care, and Zhang Huijun cares even less.

After all, this is an honor for the Beijing Film Academy!

Of course, there were also various reactions from people who were familiar with or related to He Yi'an.

China Film Group and Enlight Media didn't miss this opportunity either. They had received the news in advance, so almost immediately after the awards were announced, their publicity campaigns kicked off: "He Yi'an's 'Fireworks in the Human World,' the Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, is set to release on September 7th!"

He Yi'an, who was on the stage in Venice at the moment, was unaware of the chain reaction caused by his award.

Holding his Silver Lion trophy, he couldn't suppress his emotions, but he was still quite excited: "I'm really very excited right now. Ever since I decided to make movies, many people have said that I'm still young, I need to continue to improve, and I still have opportunities in the future."

"But I want to say that filmmaking is never about seniority alone; it's the domain of genius. Everyone who stands on this stage is a true genius in the film industry!"

"I am certainly far from being a master, so I need to seize this opportunity because I don't know if this will be the closest I've ever come to the highest award in my life—a new era has arrived, and Chinese films should be written by new people."

"Thank you Venice, thank you to my parents, Mr. Han from China Film Group, and thank you to my alma mater, Beijing Film Academy, for your guidance and education, especially my teacher, Professor Mu Deyuan, for his help."

Han Sanping was sitting in the audience. Hearing He Yi'an thank him privately, he was actually a little proud, even though he was used to big occasions.

-

"This kid—Old He raised a good son—" This must be what he envied most about He Changlin.

"Thank you to my actors, Li Baotian and Yan Danchen, and thank you to my assistant director, Yu Feihong. You are the best actors in China. Thank you to my crew, and also thank you to a young lady whose name I can't reveal yet—"

"It was their encouragement and support that allowed me to successfully complete the filming of this movie. Thank you."

He Yi'an shook the Silver Lion Trophy at the audience, bowed, and left the stage.

Upon arriving backstage, the reporters, who had been waiting for a long time, were even more eager to get back to work.

After dealing with various inquiries from foreign media, he then went to the domestic media on the other side.

"Director He! What was your biggest takeaway from your trip to Venice?"

"Director He, do you have any new film plans?"

"Director He, please say a few words."

"Director He, were your remarks on the Venice stage in response to those criticisms?"

"Director He, what are your box office expectations for 'Fireworks in the Human World'?"

Hearing their various questions, He Yi'an stepped forward in front of the domestic media, holding up the trophy and looking at the camera.

"My impression is that Venice was pretty good, and there are plans for new films. We'll announce them at the most appropriate time later, and of course, the more box office revenue the better—as for whether what you said was in response to criticism?"

He Yi'an smiled politely, revealing eight white teeth, and waved his trophy in front of the camera.

"Of course! I won the award, aren't you jealous?"

"Stop barking, dog!!!"

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