A Weak Nation Has No Art!

The air in the screening hall was thick with the unique, bone-deep scent of cinema that only an academy theater could possess.

The front rows were occupied by the media.

Tripods for cameras, both long and short, stood tall like a forest of black metal.

Over a dozen reporters from industry authorities like China Film News and Popular Cinema, as well as urban media outlets such as The Beijing News and Beijing Youth Daily, and even journalists from two emerging portal website entertainment channels, occupied the seats in the middle to back.

They were either adjusting their equipment or flipping through the press releases they had just received.

The release included a project overview and a list of the main creators, with "China Film Group" prominently listed among the investors.

The reporters whispered amongst themselves.

"Shen Shanden? The Beijing Film Academy graduate who wrote an article a while back saying costume epics were doomed, and now he's launching his own project?"

Some sounded envious: "China Film actually invested? Is it true what the rumors say, that Han Sanping really values this young man?"

"Wu Jing? Wasn't he in Hong Kong? Why's he back? And he's not playing a villain?"

"A production cost of twenty million. Costume dramas are tough to make these days."

In the guest section, most people had also arrived.

Seated in the center was a middle-aged man in a dark jacket with a calm demeanor. He was Deputy Manager Wang from China Film Group's Production Department, a significant leader.

He was one of Han Sanping's trusted lieutenants, and his personal attendance signaled China Film Group's recognition of and support for this "pilot" project.

Beside him sat the Vice Dean of Beijing Film Academy, and on the other side sat the head of the Academy's Management Department, Shen Shanden's advisor, Yu Jianhong.

In addition, there were several faculty members from the academy.

Some teachers were just there to observe, while others were feeling resentful.

Teacher Huang was the most upset.

His network was more extensive than many leaders', and he was a warm-hearted person who wanted to help the inexperienced Xiao Shen get started.

After all, Xiao Shen had no experience making films and might struggle to manage the crew.

They also lived in the same neighborhood, making them semi-neighbors, so lending a hand was only natural.

But when he called, Shen Shanden just kept saying "okay, okay."

Yet, there was no follow-up.

He was too shrewd, making choices that surprised everyone.

He didn't use anyone from Beijing Film Academy, nor Beijing Film Studio, but instead brought in Wu Jing, who was involved in the Hong Kong film scene.

This move, coming before anything else, meant that even if Shen Shanden collaborated with them later, it wouldn't be the same, because Shen Shanden had already assembled his own team and built his own foundation.

Besides the China Film Group leaders, academy officials, and teachers, there were also the film's creators, a representative of the screenwriters, industry representatives, and a producer from China Film Group.

Among these people, Deputy Manager Wang's expression was the calmest. He occasionally spoke in low tones, his gaze sweeping across the auditorium with a discerning air.

As the guests settled in, Shen Shanden made his entrance.

He wasn't dressed formally today, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt. He looked less like a project initiator or director and more like a tech enthusiast.

To his left walked Wu Jing, dressed in a black turtleneck and leather jacket, looking sharp and capable.

This was a stark contrast to his days as an extra and general laborer on Hong Kong film sets.

Now, his eyes were bright, his back was straight, and he exuded a sense of responsibility and subtle excitement from being entrusted with an important role.

To his right was Zhou Qifeng, his junior. He wore a slightly oversized dark suit, his hair neatly combed, and he forced a confident and steady smile onto his face.

Despite his youth, Shen Shanden's experience as a reincarnator lent him a composed stride.

He first walked to the guest section and shook hands with Deputy Manager Wang and the others, thanking them one by one.

Seeing Shen Shanden hurry over, Deputy Manager Wang treated him like a junior from his own family and offered some words of encouragement.

Many people in the guest section watched this, their expressions varied.

Wu Jing, on the other hand, awkwardly nodded to the guests, looking a bit nervous under the gaze of the audience and the flashing cameras.

As for Zhou Qifeng, he simply followed his senior, saying nothing, and bowed deeply.

Witnessing this, Yu Jianhong felt a pang of disappointment, wishing his student had done better.

Friendly laughter and encouraging applause came from the student section.

After Shen Shanden and the others took their seats, a young teacher from Beijing Film Academy gave a brief opening as the host. Then, Shen Shanden, as the director and project initiator, stood up again and walked to the microphone at the center of the stage.

Although the auditorium itself was a bit old, in Shen Shanden's eyes, it was currently brimming with vibrant energy.

The heating was turned up high, making a warmth rise in his chest, dispelling all the cold and leaving only determination.

Next to the backdrop, a somewhat cumbersome projector was set up, displaying the Beijing Film Academy campus on the screen for now.

In front of the stage was a long table covered with dark red velvet cloth, with several microphones.

Shen Shanden's steps were not slow, but in his perception, every detail of each step was imprinted in his mind.

Glancing past a poster for Brotherhood of Blades, Shen Shanden paused for a moment before adjusting his pace to move faster.

Outsiders couldn't detect the slightest change in his emotions, only his even firmer steps.

"Mimi, your boyfriend is so handsome!"

Yuan Shanshan's eyes sparkled.

Da Mimi: "."

How could she openly fawn over another man in front of her own boyfriend?

Zhang Xiaofei, standing beside her, also exclaimed, "He's got such a great presence on camera!"

Looking at the stage, Da Mimi couldn't help but feel a sweet surge of pride.

Whose man was this, so outstanding?

He was hers!

The venue was about 120% full, mostly with students from various departments of Beijing Film Academy.

Some were silent, others secretly scoffed, but most erupted into spontaneous applause and whistles, a good-natured teasing.

The media area's camera flashes instantly became a continuous stream.

Shen Shanden walked onto the stage step by step. His looks weren't that of a delicate scholar, but he possessed a unique aura.

As he stood on stage, the entire auditorium seemed to hold its breath.

"Thank you, thank you to China Film Group, and thank you Manager Wang for being here, for giving me such great trust and support."

"Thank you to my alma mater, Beijing Film Academy, for providing this platform, and thank you for my education. I hope the school will continue to support talented individuals."

Shen Shanden kept thanking everyone, disappointing many students who had expected him to say something more unconventional.

However, many guests in the VIP section nodded in approval, believing that this was the appropriate way to handle such a moment.

When Shen Shanden made a small joke, laughter erupted, and the atmosphere instantly livened up.

The Vice Dean of Beijing Film Academy, in particular, burst out laughing and couldn't help but applaud.

His mind, however, was racing. He had seen the goings-on within the academy and at Beijing Film Studio.

Seeing Shen Shanden today, he finally understood that the young man was indeed extraordinary, acting as if nothing had happened.

His emotions were unreadable; it was a bit frightening for someone his age.

As for the teachers from Beijing Film Academy, some were smiling broadly, while others forced a smile.

Especially Teacher Huang, who had been quite vocal before.

He was a bit of a show-off and couldn't stand seeing others outdo him in that regard.

While others heard Shen Shanden's words as jokes, he felt a sense of mockery.

Shen Shanden didn't care; he was the center of attention now.

Having livened up the atmosphere, Shen Shanden clearly stated the project's positioning: "The Grand Director is a medium-budget historical action film, initiated under the care and guidance of China Film Group's leadership. It focuses on local themes, returns to storytelling, and emphasizes quality."

With just that sentence, Deputy Manager Wang's evaluation of Shen Shanden rose again.

The phrase "China Film Group's leadership" could refer to many people, including himself, who was present, or Han Sanping, a high-level executive at China Film Group who was known to be very optimistic about Shen Shanden.

However, Shen Shanden didn't name anyone. If the project succeeded, he would naturally credit Han Sanping; if it failed, the matter would simply pass.

Shen Shanden simply wanted to avoid drawing too much attention.

After all, having real backing meant being low-key.

If only he knew that some people thought he was scheming, he would be heartbroken.

Shen Shanden continued, "The Grand Director is a bold attempt to serve domestic audiences with a Chinese core, aiming to explore how to tell a solid, passionate, and historically rich Chinese story within a limited budget."

"I would like to formally introduce Mr. Wu Jing, who will not only star as the male lead but also serve as the associate director, associate producer, and action choreographer! Furthermore, he is supporting this project wholeheartedly, even risking his entire fortune, without taking a single cent! Please allow me to express my highest respect!"

The audience erupted in cheers.

Then, thunderous applause followed; students loved passionate stories.

Shen Shanden continued, "Mr. Wu Jing has accumulated extensive, all-around on-set experience in Hong Kong. His genuine martial arts skills and unique understanding of action aesthetics are precisely the core strengths The Grand Director needs! His return represents a new possibility!"

Wu Jing, below the stage, was both moved and touched. He stood up and bowed to the audience.

Shen Shanden concluded, "The Grand Director is not just a film project, but also an experiment, a pilot program, and an important practical platform for combining the theories and practices of young filmmakers from Beijing Film Academy."

"We hope The Grand Director can serve as a touchstone, paving a new path for historical films and kung fu films that aligns with the current market and serves domestic audiences."

He raised his voice slightly: "The Grand Director is just the beginning. It carries our courage and sincerity. In the future, we have grander blueprints waiting to be unfurled!"

Shen Shanden subtly hinted at Brotherhood of Blades.

These words also sparked speculation among the reporters and students in the audience.

Next was Deputy Manager Wang's speech.

He represented China Film Group in expressing support for young filmmaking talent.

He emphasized the strategy of "nurturing newcomers."

"China Film Group has always been committed to discovering and cultivating new forces for Chinese cinema. Student Shen Shanden, as a top graduate from Beijing Film Academy's management program, has demonstrated outstanding potential in project planning, resource integration, and production management. The The Grand Director project is precisely an important attempt for us to support young talent in practice and promote the integration of industry, academia, and research."

He affirmed Shen Shanden's deep thinking about the film industry and the innovation and practicality of the The Grand Director project.

Emphasizing China Film Group's support for "diverse and multi-layered" film creation, Brotherhood of Blades is a beneficial attempt under this philosophy.

Wishing the project success and looking forward to the results.

The speech was brief and powerful, mainly a statement of intent, representing official endorsement.

Next, the school leaders gave their speeches.

They first affirmed the teaching achievements, emphasizing that Beijing Film Academy provided a practical platform and industry bridge for students with dreams, and promised that the academy would support the project in terms of academic guidance and venue coordination.

Shen Shanden beside him was beaming.

Even if it was a polite remark, he wouldn't treat it as such.

Beijing Film Academy could provide equipment, talent, venues, and anything else.

He wanted to achieve the visual effect of internal energy circulation like in The Terminator, but he didn't have enough money and had to find ways to save.

The Vice Dean of Beijing Film Academy felt a chill down his spine and smoothly concluded his speech.

He lamented that as he got older, his body had indeed become weaker.

Finally, Wu Jing, representing the main creative team and the actors, gave his speech.

"Director Shen is young, but very professional and efficient. His understanding and grasp of the project are beyond expectations. His perspective also brings fresh creative sparks to kung fu."

Wu Jing's speech was more practical.

Shen Shanden felt that he definitely couldn't mistreat Jingzi in the future; this support was too crucial for him.

Wu Jing, with his status as a well-known actor and his significant financial investment, could dispel many doubts and reduce gossip.

Then.

The host announced the project launch!

Shen Shanden, Wu Jing, Deputy Manager Wang, and the Vice Dean walked to a small launch platform at the center of the stage.

The launch platform was covered with a red silk cloth, beneath which was a symbolic model of a "clapperboard."

The four placed their hands together on the "launch button" covered by the red silk, which was actually a light switch.

As they pressed it, the projection screen on the backdrop instantly lit up, switching to the concept poster for Brotherhood of Blades.

At the same time, golden confetti was sprayed from both sides of the stage, adding to the ceremonial feel.

The spotlights instantly converged!

The sound of camera shutters filled the air, capturing the moment.

The students in the audience erupted in warm applause and cheers.

After the launch ceremony, Deputy Manager Wang and the Vice Dean left first, talking in low voices as they walked, a look of satisfaction on their faces.

After a short break, Shen Shanden proceeded with the subsequent project presentation and exchange session.

In the project presentation, Shen Shanden showcased his professionalism and the solidity of the project itself.

A detailed business plan, precise market analysis, an excellent script, reliable team building, along with some storyboards and concept art.

Shen Shanden's composure beyond his years, his absolute familiarity with the project, his clear understanding of the production process, his frankness about difficulties and challenges along with proposed solutions, and his strong confidence deeply impressed everyone present.

The media reporters and the students and teachers, whether shocked or contemplative, all had a changed perspective on the project.

During the Q&A session, the atmosphere improved, and no one treated it as a mere pastime.

Shen Shanden and the main creative team answered several questions.

Such as how, as a student, he managed to gain the trust of China Film Group and secure tens of millions in investment, as well as project details.

A reporter also asked Shen Shanden for his thoughts on Jay Chou's directorial debut, Secret, which was currently being filmed, and whether he felt any sense of competition.

A question was posed to the China Film Group representative, producer Zhang Nengshou, asking why they chose an inexperienced newcomer director like Shen Shanden to produce a multi-million dollar project, how risks were being controlled, and what safeguards China Film Group had in place.

Zhang Nengshou was not evasive at this point, his answers were flawless.

He emphasized China Film Group's sound production management and financial supervision systems, the assistance of an experienced executive producer for the project, that Shen Shanden was the core driver of the project and not solely responsible, and that the risks were controllable.

He reiterated the strategic significance of supporting new talent.

The exchange with the students was also very friendly.

Until a long-haired student from the directing department questioned Shen Shanden: "I am a senior student in the directing department. May I ask if this film of yours only has commercial concepts and no artistic concepts at all?"

"From beginning to end, all I see is the smell of money. Under the banner of prioritizing commerce, it's purely for profit, with no artistic pursuit whatsoever."

The room fell silent.

The teacher hosting the event did not intervene.

This was the characteristic of Beijing Film Academy.

The student who asked the question was secretly pleased by the silence; he had begged and pleaded but couldn't even get a chance to direct a feature film.

Shen Shanden was directly directing such a major production, so why?

He was extremely resentful, and this question was something he had painstakingly thought up.

Da Mimi in the audience was angry and worried, Who is this person?

Bringing up that question at this event is a real buzzkill.

Teacher Huang, watching from below, was secretly delighted. This question was the perfect moral critique.

Wu Jing was so angry he almost laughed. Did they know how difficult it was to support a multi-million dollar project?

If not profits, then what? Feelings?

Seeing Wu Jing about to speak, Shen Shanden stopped him, afraid he'd fall into a trap.

There's no point in talking about reality; they're just trying to score moral points.

"I also once thought about aiming for overseas awards, stepping onto the artistic stages of the European Big Three."

Shen Shanden waited until Zhou Qifeng took the microphone back from the questioner before he slowly began to speak.

At first, everyone thought Shen Shanden was going to talk about his own hardships.

However.

Shen Shanden changed his relaxed demeanor from earlier, straightened his back, and said word by word: "A weak nation has no art!"

He paused, then added: "Of course, a strong nation also has no art!"

"This is my personal experience. A weak nation in film has no power to create film art. A strong nation doesn't need art; look at Hollywood, it doesn't need any film art."

"The European Big Three are very arrogant in front of our film-weak nations, but in front of film-strong nations like America, they're just so-so."

"The European film festivals believe they can influence Hollywood, which lacks historical depth, through tradition, rules, and culture."

"The European Big Three consider themselves mature, sophisticated women, while Hollywood is the brash young man. They think they can manipulate Hollywood with skill."

"But in reality, Hollywood just crushes them. If Hollywood wants something, the European Big Three have to give it!"

What the hell?

What kind of outrageous words are these?!

The scene became chaotic, with many girls' eyes shining terrifyingly, and the boys chuckling.

Shen Shanden seemed oblivious, "When you're creating art, you need artistic flair!"

The reporters, like sharks smelling blood, were extremely excited.

"A weak nation has no art" was too explosive, this was major news!

As if fearing it wasn't explosive enough, Shen Shanden continued, "Only when we have a certain level of film industry, becoming a strong film nation, will others respect us, and directors within it will have dignity."

"Commercial films are the inevitable path for a strong film nation. Hollywood makes commercial films, and it gets whatever it wants from the European Big Three; they have to cater to it."

"We are far behind Hollywood, but as long as filmmakers work hard, we can catch up. Only by becoming a strong nation can we talk about art."

"When I realized this, I was determined to abandon art for commerce!"

"Because art alone cannot save Chinese cinema!"

"This student, I hope you can also work with me to build a strong film nation."

"Of course, if you're unwilling, I respect that, but please don't mock me."

"When we become a strong film nation, you will also benefit. Don't you see the increasing Hollywood elements in the European Big Three today?"

"One day, when we become a strong film nation, the European Big Three will favor you."

The long-haired directing student who asked the question had a face as red as a beet.

Teacher Huang was grinding his teeth, he's too pretentious!

Da Mimi felt a surge of emotion.

This was her man!

The reporters were going crazy!

"A weak nation has no art," "Abandon art for commerce," and "Art alone cannot save Chinese cinema" were all explosive headlines!

Combined with Wu Jing's earlier story about going bankrupt for his friends, this launch event had too much sensational news!

Clap clap clap!

There was a moment of silence, followed by thunderous applause.

The students expressed their support with their applause.

Young students, who doesn't have a bit of ambition?

Thank you all for your support, and to many readers like "Flowing Water Years" for their tips.

Finally, I've almost caught up. I'll delete the first version related to the work. It seems no one knows why the first version is gone, and my explanation in the comment section was also folded. Oh well, let's move forward and not dwell on it.

I can't sustain writing 10,000 words a day; it's too exhausting. When I was laying the foundation at the beginning, I was dizzy all day, with no time to think. I'll go back to two updates a day from now on.