Chapter 267 Finalists, Going to Cannes
As May approaches, the shortlists for the Cannes Film Festival are released one after another.

The first list contains 8 movies in total.

The opening film is "Generation 2" by Hollywood director Miguel.

There are 7 films shortlisted for the main competition unit.

Among them is Jia Zhensi’s “Homeland, Homeland”.

Jia Zhensi is a leader among the sixth generation of directors and has won numerous international awards, including the Best Screenplay Award at the 55th Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion Award at the 71st Venetian Film Festival, and so on.

This time, his film was shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival and immediately attracted the attention of domestic media.

The internet is flooded with news about Jia Zhensi and the male and female protagonists.

"Cannes Film Festival: Jia Zhensi's film "Homeland Homeland" competes for the "Golden Palm Award""

"The first batch of films of the 75th Cannes Film Festival, the 6th main competition of Jiazhen Temple"

"Exclusive Interview | Nominated for the sixth time at Cannes, Jia Zhensi's new film is about everyone"

"Jia Zhensi is going to the Cannes International Film Festival again. Can he win the Palme d'Or this time?"

"Beijing News (Reporter Zhou Hui) On May 5, the organizing committee of the 3th Cannes Film Festival announced the list of nominees for this year's film festival. The film "Homeland Homeland" directed by Jia Zhensi and starring Huo Qin was shortlisted for the main competition unit. This film is also Jia Zhensi's sixth work shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Cannes Film Festival. It will compete for the Golden Palm Award for Best Film with other main competition films."

-

The second shortlist was subsequently announced, totaling 7 films.

Domestic director Zhang Ke's film "Glory" was shortlisted for the Un Certain Regard section, and Luo Wei's film "Giving Birth to a Daughter" was shortlisted for the Out-of-Competition section.

When the news came, the domestic media was speechless.

It can be said that there are only four most valuable awards at the Cannes Film Festival: Palme d'Or, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress. If you don't enter the main competition unit, you are not eligible to compete for these four awards.

Zhang Ke's "Glory" was entered into the attention unit, while Luo Wei's "Giving Birth to a Daughter" was entered into the non-competitive unit, and they have no chance of winning any prestigious awards.

You know, several months before this, Luo Wei had been clamoring to register for this year's Cannes Film Festival, and during the interview she was even more determined to win. In addition, the starring role was the film queen Bai Bei, who is as famous as Chu Qing, which created a huge hype.

As a result, the news came -

That's it? !
No one expected that the Chinese would make a fool of themselves before the Cannes Film Festival even started.

What's even more embarrassing is Bai Bei. She is a film queen and finally returned to Cannes, but she didn't even make it into the main competition unit.

The media people were also merciless and were extremely sarcastic!
"At 5:7 pm on May , the film Birthing Daughters, directed by Luo Wei and starring Bai Bei, has been shortlisted for Cannes and will premiere in Cannes. After the premiere, international film reviews will come out.

However, the fact that "Birthing Girl" was shortlisted for Cannes means it has already lost half the battle.

For well-known veteran film comrades like Luo Wei and Bai Bei, it is so embarrassing that they were not even shortlisted for the main competition unit and could only meet everyone in the non-competition unit!

We can roughly divide the main competition unit and non-competition unit of Cannes into two parts.

The former represents the artistry of the Cannes Film Festival. The latter represents the commercial nature of the Cannes Film Festival. Of course, the official statement of the Cannes Film Festival is that the non-competitive unit is aimed at supporting some young filmmakers. This is even more unpleasant to Luo Wei and Bai Bei. They have worked in the film industry for a lifetime, but they are still supported as newcomers. It's too bullying. Who are they looking down on?"

For a time, Jia Zhensi's "Homeland, Homeland" was shortlisted for the main competition unit, and its value was infinitely raised.

Chu Qing called Cheng Cheng to comfort him:
"Director Cheng, we signed up late, so we should be in the third batch."

Cheng Cheng is not worried about this. With the quality of "To Live", it would be easy for it to be shortlisted for the main competition unit, let alone win an award.

Unless the Cannes Film Festival changes its approach this year.

Wen Lian was a little worried. If she was not shortlisted for the main competition unit, or was shortlisted for other units like Zhang Ke and Luo Wei, it would be a slap in the face.

This is her and Director Cheng’s first time to attend Cannes.

There are still ten days left before the opening of the Cannes Film Festival. Finally, amid Wen Lian’s nervous wait, the third batch of shortlisted candidates was announced!
Seeing that "To Live" was listed in the main competition unit, Wen Lian excitedly sent a message to Cheng Cheng:

"Director Cheng! We're in!"

"We're in!"

"We've entered the main competition unit!"

If you enter the main competition unit, you will have the opportunity to compete for the Best Actress in Cannes!
This is the dream of countless actresses around the world!
The most prestigious award in the world!

At the same time, domestic media got the news and exploded!

Countless people rubbed their eyes and checked two or three times before they confirmed that Cheng Cheng’s "To Live" was indeed shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Cannes Film Festival!
Many industry insiders have expressed doubts:

"No, when did the movie he and Chu Qing collaborate on enter the selection? Wasn't it released in China?!"

"Cheng Cheng and Chu Qing's "To Live" is actually heading to Cannes!"

"The filming started in March, and we even managed to register for the Cannes Film Festival. This is Cheng Cheng. His filming speed is so fast, no one can match him!"

After hearing the news, Lu Zhuofeng was even more impressed by the youth:
Cheng Chengyi achieved commercial success and immediately set his sights on the Cannes Film Festival. His ambition is really too big.

I just don't know what kind of movie this is.

But with Chu Qing joining, it won’t be easy.

Weibo, the heat is already boiling.

"Awesome! He made it to the main competition section of the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. Frog is awesome!"

"Oh my god! Brother Frog + Qingdi, a small city of Kansas City, isn't it a sure win?!"

"The Qing Emperor is about to return to his loyal city of Cannes!"

"Luo Wei and Bai Bei next door can't even get into the main competition unit. What a gap..."

"The God of Movies. I want to watch it right now!"

"Congratulations, Brother Frog! I heard from Bomi a few days ago that Tianxia Continent hasn't won any major competition awards in the three major European competitions for almost five years. The last time was for Venis's "Gate Gathering". I hope Brother Frog Qingdi will have a chance this year!"

Relevant filmmakers have made an analysis of the situation where four domestic films were shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival at the same time:

The conclusion is -

Cheng Cheng and Chu Qing have the best chance of winning awards at this year's Cannes Film Festival!

Luo Wei, the director of "Giving Birth to a Daughter", looked unhappy. She recalled what she had said at the Golden Film Awards ceremony when she was trying to win over Yan Gou'er:

There are many talented directors in the world, in Europe, Serbia, Spain, and Japan, countless. They do not cater to the market and do not care about business. They are full of ideals and pursuits, and are full of idealism.

Compared to them, Cheng Cheng may be a successful director, but he will never become a master.

She said these words last year.

Now, more than a year has passed. Cheng Cheng has filmed "Those Years", "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils", "To Live", and "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 1", and produced "Love Apartment", "The Killer Is Not Cool", and "Wulin Waijia", and also found time to organize two variety shows, two books, and several albums.

And she has only released one film, "Giving Birth to a Daughter", which has not yet entered the main competition unit...

5 month 15 day.

The night before, Cheng Cheng spent the night at Li Zhuo's house. The two of them tossed and turned all night. The next morning, Cheng Cheng entrusted the company to her, and then went to the airport, preparing to go to France and Cannes.

The lineup going to Cannes this time includes him, Chu Qing, Wen Lian, Li Yang, Qi Hao, and Nannan.

Before boarding the plane, Cheng Cheng and his companions were stopped by reporters. The reporters stopped Cheng Cheng and asked him various questions:
"Director Cheng, are you confident about going to Cannes this time? What award are you planning to win?"

Cheng Cheng: "I have confidence. I believe the Cannes judges will be able to gain my approval."

Another reporter raised the microphone and asked, "What do you think of "Homeland Homeland" also entering the main competition unit?"

Sung Cheng: “I’ll watch it when they premiere, and I’ll let you know if it’s not good.”

He choked for a moment, then continued to ask: "Then what do you think of "Birthing Daughter" and "Glory" not even making it to the main competition unit?"

Cheng Cheng: "It's normal. After all, no one is me."

Another reporter asked:

"Director Cheng, your "Wulin Wai Zhuan" has achieved unprecedented success. Officials say that you have changed the ecology of domestic entertainment. Do you have any more plans to continue promoting this change?"

Cheng Cheng: "I don't think I can change things by myself. I suggest that every film and television company should take me as an example and release a movie or TV series every year for newcomers to shoot. If they can't complete it, they will be fired."

reporter:"."

I can't talk any more.

Cheng Cheng dared to say it, but they didn’t dare to report it!

The reporter asked some safer questions: "Director Cheng, the main actors of the films you directed, "The Killer Is Not Calm" and "Wulin Waijia", have signed contracts with well-known film and television companies. Rumor has it that they all wanted to join Shinhwa, but you rejected them. Why?"

Cheng Cheng: "I train them not to get them. Don't doubt it. I am just so upright. This is what I tell many film and television companies. I hope they will follow my example. If they don't, I will shoot them."

Reporter Khan:

Can we forget about the execution?
After getting on the plane, Chu Qing said to Cheng Cheng with emotion:
"I get asked fewer questions when I'm around you."

Wen Lian and Li Yang shared the same feeling that wherever Cheng Cheng went, he was the absolute center of attention of the media.

After Cheng Cheng and his group boarded the plane, the creators of "Homeland Homeland", "Birth of a Daughter" and "Glory" were also interviewed one after another before departure. The media reported:

Chinese-language films shined in Cannes, with Cheng Cheng's "To Live", Jia Zhensi's "Homeland", Luo Wei's "Giving Birth", and Zhang Ke's "Glory" collectively showing the charm of Chinese-language films to the world.

-

In the evening, the main creative staff of "To Live" arrived.

There is no direct flight from Imperial to Cannes. The route is Imperial - Florence - Nice, and then transfer to Cannes. It is very troublesome and takes about 16 hours. If there are some delays on the road, it may even take more than 20 hours.

For convenience, Cheng Cheng chartered a plane directly to Cannes.

The small town of Cannes is nestled at the foot of green mountains, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The Rivera Bay surrounds several small towns along the coast. It occupies a unique geographical location, with a 5-kilometer-long sandy beach and flowers that never fade in all seasons.

Walking through the city, the white buildings, the blue sea, and rows of tall green palm trees set off each other, making it look exquisite, elegant, and charming.

Plus, the Cannes International Film Festival is held, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Nannan was held in Cheng Cheng's arms. She looked left and right but couldn't see everything.

She stretched out her little hand and pointed at a black man:
"Brother, why is this uncle so dark? Doesn't he take a bath?"

Chu Qing was afraid of causing trouble and was about to correct her.

Cheng Cheng spoke angrily:

"Don't say this uncle! Say that uncle!"

Chu Qing: So this is what you are angry about? !
Nannan doesn’t understand: This one, that one, what’s the difference?

Wen Lian smiled secretly.

check in to a hotel.

They had dinner first, then Chu Qing called Cheng Cheng alone and went to a beachfront villa.

I rang the doorbell and was greeted by Julien Mordant, a friend of Trina's and the chairman of the jury at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

He is over seventy years old, already old and frail, with gray hair and a bloated body. He looks like an ordinary fat old man in Europe and America, but he smiles very kindly. He welcomes us with a big laugh:
"Hahaha, Qing, welcome to Cannes!"

Chu Qing hugged him:

"Julian, long time no see!"

The two exchanged pleasantries, and then Julian looked at Cheng Cheng: "Qing, this is the director of To Live, right?"

There was a flash of admiration in his eyes:
"too young!"

Cheng Cheng shook hands with him:

"Hello, President Julian, my name is Cheng Cheng."

Julian shook Cheng Cheng's hand vigorously:
"Okay, your movie is very good, very good! The world film industry needs talents like you. You remind me of your country's Lu Zhuofeng. Unfortunately, he hasn't been to Cannes for almost ten years."

Cheng Cheng: "Then can you give me the Palme d'Or, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress?"

Julian was stunned:
"why?"

Cheng Cheng said very seriously: "Because our national media interviewed me and asked me if I had the confidence to win the award, I said I would definitely win it, I have already boasted about my awesomeness, I hope you give me the award."

This was the first time Julian heard such a weird reason: “.”

Chu Qing changed the subject with a wry smile:

"Hahahaha, Julian, Director Cheng is joking. Don't you want to invite us in and sit down?"

Having known each other for so long, Chu Qing already knew what kind of person Cheng Cheng was.

Julian also laughed:
"Hahahaha, it turned out to be a joke. Director Cheng is really humorous."

He waved, "Come on, come in, let's have a good chat about movies today. It's been a long time since I've talked about movies with such an excellent filmmaker."

Cheng Cheng felt a little regretful, he was very serious and he really wanted to ask for the award.

Come to the room.

Julian said to Cheng Cheng and Chu Qing:

"Sit anywhere. I'll make you some coffee. Coffee must be made to taste good."

Cheng Cheng asked him a very serious question:
"Do you really want us to sit anywhere?"

Julian was puzzled. What was there to doubt? He smiled and said, "Of course, you are guests, you can sit anywhere."

Cheng Cheng took a look, took the vase from the fireplace, and then sat on it cross-legged. Julian looked at him in confusion. Cheng Cheng blinked at him harmlessly, and Julian looked at Chu Qing again.

Chu Qing covered her face in shame:

He was wrong.

He shouldn't have brought Cheng Cheng to see Julian.

This guy is so sick.

(End of this chapter)