txolops Chapter 477 Venice Film Festival
Chapter 477 Venice Film Festival
The two met eyes in the crowd, and Andy Lau took the initiative to walk over.
"Director Fu."
He extended his hand, his smile as warm as ever.
"Brother Hua".
Fu Yibai grasped his hand.
"I've heard that 'A Simple Life' has received very good reviews. Congratulations."
"It's all thanks to Director Xu and Sister Ye."
Liu Dehua smiled and shook his head.
"But you, you've brought Binbin along again to try your luck at winning a prize."
"Do your best."
"Your best effort usually leads to an award."
Andy Lau patted him on the shoulder and glanced at Fan Binbin next to him.
"Binbin looks beautiful today."
Fan Binbin smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Brother Hua."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Andy Lau turned and returned to the area of the "A Simple Life" film crew.
Director Ann Hui was sitting next to him, whispering something to the producer.
At eight o'clock sharp, the lights in the screening room went out.
The logo of Morning Light Media appeared on the screen, followed by the director's name—Fu Yibai.
The film "The Woman Who Left" tells the story of Li Xuemei, a former female teacher who was framed by her wealthy ex-boyfriend and wrongfully imprisoned for 30 years for murder. Only when her close friend in prison confessed his crime in his later years was she able to be released and regain her freedom.
After her release from prison, everything had changed: her husband had passed away, her biological son was missing and wandering, and her former life had completely collapsed.
She lived under an assumed name, mingling in the streets, helping the poor and taking in down-on-their-luck cross-dressing youths, while secretly plotting her revenge.
She did not commit the murder herself; instead, thanks to the goodwill she had accumulated in her early years, the young man who had saved her life punished her enemies who had committed evil for many years.
After settling her deepest grudge, Li Xuemei let go of her obsession and left the city that had trapped her for half her life.
When the lights in the screening room came back on, applause started from the back rows and filled the entire screening room within seconds.
Fu Yibai stood up from his seat, turned around and bowed slightly to the audience in the back row.
Fan Binbin stood next to him, tears welling up in her eyes under the light, which she quickly wiped away with the back of her hand.
The jury members left the stage one by one from the front row. Aronofsky stopped a step as he passed Fu Yibai, said nothing, and simply nodded at him.
Fu Yibai returned the same brief glance; no further communication was needed between the two directors.
After the movie ended, the sea breeze from Lido Island outside the cinema was humid, hot, and salty.
As Fan Binbin walked out of the screening room arm in arm with Fu Yibai, they were blocked on the steps by more than a dozen reporters.
"Director Fu, the subject matter of this film is completely different from your previous works. What made you choose this direction?"
Fu Yibai took the microphone, answered a few questions briefly, and then took Fan Binbin back to the hotel.
On September 6, another Chinese-language film in the main competition, "A Simple Life," premiered.
Fu Yibai and Fan Binbin attended the premiere.
Andy Lau and Ann Hui stood at the entrance of the film palace to greet the guests. When they saw Fu Yibai walking over, Andy Lau's smile was even brighter than it had been a few days ago.
"Director Fu, Binbin, welcome."
"Brother Hua, you're too kind."
Fu Yibai and Ann Hui shook hands.
"I've always loved Director Xu's works, and I've been looking forward to 'A Simple Life' for a long time."
"Director Fu, you're too kind. We've all seen your film, 'The Woman Who Left,' it's amazing."
Ann Hui's tone was sincere, without a trace of politeness.
The screening of "A Simple Life" lasted for two hours.
When the film ended, the theater erupted in prolonged applause.
Fu Yibai stood up from his seat and applauded, and Fan Binbin's eyes also reddened.
After the screening, Ann Hui was surrounded by reporters at the entrance of the Cinematheque.
As Fu Yibai walked over, Ann Hui called out to him.
"Director Fu, shall we take a picture together?"
"it is good."
Fu Yibai stood next to Ann Hui, Deanie Ip and Andy Lau stood on the other side of Ann Hui, and Fan Binbin stood next to Fu Yibai.
Several people smiled at the camera, while flashes from both sides went off everywhere.
The photo spread across domestic social media that very evening.
The hashtag "#ChineseFilmmakersGatherInVenice" has garnered over 500 million views.
On September 8, all films in the main competition section were screened.
The judging panel has entered the closed-door judging phase.
Beneath the surface calm, undercurrents were stirring on Lido Island as public relations teams made their final push.
"The last two votes are still undecided."
Margaret returned to the hotel on the evening of September 9th, took off her high heels, and sat on the sofa, her face revealing her exhaustion.
"A French judge had a different opinion on the film's narrative structure."
There was also an Italian judge who really liked "The Woman Who Left," but his voting was influenced by some external factors.
"What external factors?"
"An Italian film, 'Inland,' was also nominated this year."
Although the event program received low ratings, the pressure from domestic competition was immense.
Margaret rubbed her temples.
Fu Yibai leaned against the window, looking at the Adriatic Sea in the night outside.
"Where's Binbin's Best Actress award?"
"This one is relatively more stable."
Margaret took her tablet out of her bag and flipped to a page of data.
"Although the performances of the competitors were very strong, Ms. Fan's role spanned thirty years, from youth to old age, and this kind of performance naturally carried more weight in the eyes of the judges."
Given the overall positive reviews of "The Woman Who Left," her chances of winning Best Actress are over 70%.