Chapter 15: Sending to Venice for Exhibition?

To be so quick to seize an opportunity.

Zeng Li’s mind flashed with the image of Cheng Sheng.

The fact that this film could be successfully produced was entirely due to her junior, and just thinking about it felt a bit surreal.

If she wanted to be involved in future films, he was her only hope.

Zeng Li’s thoughts were, in fact, the same as many of the actors present.

After watching this film, they were even more attentive to Cheng Sheng, because they didn't want to miss out on the subsequent series.

Zheng Guolin was the happiest of them all. As the lead actor, he had received clear word from the director that he would remain the protagonist for the following films in the series.

With this film series, Zheng Guolin felt he could definitely ascend to the ranks of A-list stars, and his future development would surely be smooth sailing.

Unlike Zheng Guolin, Fu Dalong’s expression dimmed.

Because Yang Guang’s story had already concluded in this film.

Even if he wanted to participate, he likely wouldn't have the chance.

Although disappointed, Fu Dalong was still grateful to Cheng Sheng.

Because of this film, his status in the industry was now secure.

If he could snag one or two awards, that would be even better.

Tong Yaya, Zhang Xinyi, and Wang Zhi were incredibly excited; this was the first film they had ever acted in.

Even if they weren't professional film critics, as actors, they could still tell the quality of a movie.

Moreover, the reactions of those present made it clear that this film was an absolute classic.

With Cheng Sheng as the core of this film, once it was released, he would undoubtedly become a renowned director.

If they could get on his good side now, wouldn't they have no shortage of acting offers in the future?

Thinking of this, Tong Yaya, Zhang Xinyi, and Wang Zhi stole glances at Cheng Sheng repeatedly.

"Handsome and talented—if I could just get my hands on him..."

Looking at the dashing Cheng Sheng, the three women felt a sudden stir in their hearts.

For a three-hour film, if it were any other movie, the audience would likely have fallen asleep, but not this one. Everyone present not only watched from beginning to end, but not a single person even went to the restroom.

This showed just how captivating the film was.

The screening ended.

"Clap, clap, clap..."

Han Sanye was the first to applaud, and the others snapped out of their daze and followed suit.

"Truly magnificent. Even the grand sweep of history is nothing more than this."

Xu Xiaozhong looked at Cheng Sheng. This kid hadn't let him down; he had filmed a great historical movie.

No, it should be called a film that recorded history.

From the genre, it was like a documentary, yet filmed with the techniques of an art-house movie.

If this film were taken to the three major European film festivals, while it was hard to say if it would win, it would definitely have no trouble getting nominated.

Europeans might not understand Chinese history, but they could certainly distinguish a good film from a bad one.

Furthermore, the acting of every performer in this film was truly exquisite.

Perhaps it might even snag a Best Actor or Best Actress award.

"Who selected these actors? Such a unique eye. China Film Group really needs to learn from him in this regard," Han Sanye remarked with emotion.

Xu Xiaozhong glanced at Cheng Sheng, the implication already clear.

The actors had all been chosen by Cheng Sheng.

Although Cheng Sheng hadn't auditioned many actors himself, most of the final selections were made by him before being handed over to his teachers, Zhang Yang and Yang Chao, for the auditions.

"Impressive," Han Sanye said with admiration.

Xu Xiaozhong looked at Cheng Sheng, and fearing he might become arrogant, said, "He's still young; there's plenty of room for improvement in the future."

"Old Xu, which award are you planning to submit this film to in Europe?" Han Sanye asked.

"Berlin and Cannes have already passed their deadlines; only Venice remains," Xu Xiaozhong replied.

Berlin and Cannes were held in the first half of the year, and since it was already August, it was too late.

"Venice starts in September. Isn't the time a bit tight? Why not hold the film until next year?" Han Sanye suggested after a moment's thought.

He had hoped to send this film to Cannes.

Although the three major European festivals didn't officially rank one above the others, in the hearts of domestic audiences, Cannes carried more weight than the other two.

"The time is a bit tight." Xu Xiaozhong did the math, but then waved his hand. "But that's not important. I'll have someone send the film for review immediately. Old Han, you must help me with this; it has to pass the review as soon as possible."

"Alright." Seeing Xu Xiaozhong so insistent, Han Sanye didn't object further.

Xu Xiaozhong and Han Sanye found Cheng Sheng and mentioned their plan to send the film to Venice. Cheng Sheng, of course, had no objections.

If it could get nominated or win an award, the value of his film would skyrocket.

Future box office returns would be much higher, and he could use the opportunity to distribute the film to the Western world.

However, Cheng Sheng had one concern. Based on his understanding, it was normal for it to take three to five months to get results after submitting a film for review.

Getting it approved in one or two months was considered fast.

Sometimes, because of minor flaws, the film would be sent back for re-editing, which was the most infuriating part.

If it didn't pass the review, even if he sent it to Venice, it would be banned from domestic release upon its return.

Generally, few people did something so irrational.

However, there were still some stubborn directors in the country, such as the banned-film director Lou Ye. The main reason he was called the "King of Banned Films" was that his works often couldn't be screened domestically due to content issues, and he had even been banned from directing multiple times.

Most of Lou Ye’s works involved sensitive topics and social realities, which often failed the censorship process, leading to his films being barred from domestic release.

But this guy was just stubborn—if it couldn't pass censorship, fine! He wouldn't bother; he’d just send it abroad for awards.

Cheng Sheng didn't dare to emulate Lou Ye; he still planned to make a living and film movies in China!

With only a little over a month left until Venice, even if he wanted to submit it, there wasn't enough time!

Xu Xiaozhong seemed to see through Cheng Sheng’s concerns and said, "Don't worry about the review process. Old Han and I will step in to ensure it passes as quickly as possible."

"Alright, then I'll leave everything to the Principal and President Han."

Cheng Sheng said happily.

With these two big shots stepping in, the speed of the review process was definitely guaranteed.

Seeing Cheng Sheng agree, Xu Xiaozhong was very pleased. He patted Cheng Sheng on the shoulder and said, "Cheng Sheng, not bad. Keep working hard; I look forward to you making even better films."

He then turned to Cheng Sheng’s teachers, Zhang Yang and Yang Chao, and added, "You two teachers have done well to have taught such an excellent director as Cheng Sheng."

Hearing the school’s praise, the two teachers were overjoyed.

With these words, their resumes would look much better, and with a student like Cheng Sheng, they were full of anticipation for the future.

Perhaps when Principal Xu Xiaozhong retired, they might be able to take a step up.

Everyone wanted to advance, and both Zhang Yang and Yang Chao shared that ambition.