A Weak Nation Has No Art!

The air in the screening room was steeped in that unique, bone-deep scent of cinema found only in an academy theater.

The front rows had been claimed by the media.

Camera tripods of every size stood bristling like a black metal forest.

Reporters from over a dozen media outlets occupied the middle and rear seats. There were industry authorities such as China Film News and Popular Cinema, urban media such as The Beijing News and Beijing Youth Daily, and even entertainment reporters from two emerging portal websites.

Some adjusted their equipment, while others flipped through the press releases they had just received.

The sheets contained the project introduction, the main creative team list, and the name China Film Group prominently listed among the investors.

The reporters murmured among themselves.

"Shen Shanden? Isn't he that Beijing Film Academy graduate student who wrote an article recently saying big-budget costume films were doomed? Now he's turning around and launching a project himself?"

Others sounded sour. "China Film Group really invested? Could the rumors be true that Han Sanping thinks highly of this young man?"

"Wu Jing? Wasn't he in Hong Kong? Why did he come back? And it looks like he isn't playing a villain?"

"A production budget of twenty million? Costume dramas aren't easy to make these days."

The guest section was more or less full as well.

At the center sat a steady-looking middle-aged man in a dark jacket. He was Deputy Manager Wang from the China Film Group Production Department, a highly influential executive.

He was one of Han Sanping's trusted right-hand men. His personal attendance represented China Film Group's importance and support for this "pilot" project.

Beside him sat the vice president of Beijing Film Academy, while on his other side sat the head of the Beijing Film Academy Management Department, Shen Shanden's mentor, Yu Jianhong.

There were also several faculty members from the school.

Some teachers had simply come to take a look, while others were harboring resentment.

Teacher Huang was the angriest.

His network was more extensive than that of many executives, and he was a warmhearted man. He had intended to help the inexperienced Xiao Shen, give him a leg up and see him through.

After all, Xiao Shen had no filmmaking experience and might struggle to keep control of a crew.

They also lived in the same residential complex, making them practically half-neighbors. Lending a hand was only natural.

Yet whenever he called, Shen Shanden would readily agree to everything.

But nothing ever came of it.

He had been too slippery, making a choice that exceeded everyone's expectations.

He had not used anyone from Beijing Film Academy, nor anyone from Beijing Film Studio. Instead, he had brought in Wu Jing, who had been making his way through the Hong Kong Circle.

After that, even if Shen Shanden cooperated with them later, things would no longer be the same. He had built his own team first and established his own foundation.

Besides the China Film Group executives and the school's leaders and faculty, there were also members of the film's creative team, screenwriter representatives, industry representatives, and China Film Group producers.

Among them, Deputy Manager Wang appeared the calmest. He occasionally spoke in a low voice, his gaze sweeping over the auditorium with an appraising look.

Once the guests were seated, Shen Shanden made his entrance.

He was not dressed particularly formally today. In jeans and a white T-shirt, he looked less like the project's initiator or director and more like a tech nerd.

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

He was completely different from how he had been while doing bit parts and odd jobs on Hong Kong film sets.

At that moment, his eyes were bright and his back straight, carrying the drive of someone entrusted with an important task, along with a trace of barely concealed excitement.

Zhou Qifeng followed on Shen Shanden's right. This junior wore a slightly oversized dark suit, with his hair combed into a grown-up style. He struggled to maintain a confident, composed smile.

Though Shen Shanden was young, the experience of a reborn man made his steps calm and unhurried.

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

Seeing Shen Shanden jog over, Deputy Manager Wang encouraged him with a few words as though he were a junior from his own family.

Many in the guest section saw it, and their expressions varied.

Wu Jing, meanwhile, somewhat awkwardly nodded to the guests. Faced with so many eyes and flashing cameras below the stage, he seemed a little nervous.

As for Zhou Qifeng, he simply followed his senior brother without saying a word, bowing stiffly the whole time.

Seeing this, Yu Jianhong could not help feeling a little disappointed in his student.

Friendly laughter and encouraging applause rose from the student seats.

After Shen Shanden and the others sat down, a young Beijing Film Academy teacher acting as host gave a brief opening. Shen Shanden, as both director and project initiator, rose again and walked to the microphone at center stage.

Though the auditorium itself was somewhat old, in Shen Shanden's eyes it was bursting with restless vitality.

The heat was turned up high, and it felt as though a blazing fire was rising in his chest, driving away every trace of cold and leaving only resolve.

A somewhat bulky projector had been set up beside the backdrop, while the screen currently displayed an image of the Beijing Film Academy campus.

A long table draped in dark red velvet stood at the front of the stage, with several microphones placed on it.

Shen Shanden did not walk slowly, but every detail of each step seemed etched into his mind.

As he passed the poster for The Grand Director, his steps paused briefly before he adjusted at an even faster pace.

No outsider could possibly detect the shift in his emotions. They could only see his steps grow firmer.

"Mimi, your boyfriend is so handsome!"

Light shimmered in Yuan Shanshan's eyes.

Da Mimi: "."

Was it really okay to swoon over her man right in front of her?

Zhang Xiaofei, standing nearby, also exclaimed, "He looks so great on camera!"

Looking toward the stage, Da Mimi could not help feeling sweet inside as well.

Whose man was this, being so outstanding?

He was hers!

The auditorium was packed to roughly one hundred and twenty percent capacity, mostly with students from the various Beijing Film Academy departments.

Some stayed silent, while others secretly curled their lips. More, however, spontaneously broke into applause and whistles, teasing him in good humor.

The flashes from the media section instantly merged into a sea of light.

Shen Shanden walked onto the stage step by step. He was not the fair-faced pretty-boy type, but he possessed a unique air about him.

Once he came to a stop onstage, the atmosphere in the entire auditorium tightened slightly.

"Thank you. Thank you to China Film Group, and thank you to Manager Wang for attending in person and giving me such tremendous trust and support."

"Thank you to my alma mater, Beijing Film Academy, for providing this platform. Thank you as well for nurturing me, and I hope the school will continue to support talented people without holding back."

Shen Shanden kept saying thank you, disappointing quite a few students, who had thought this senior might offer something different.

But many in the guest section nodded to themselves. At a moment like this, he should be steady and proper.

When Shen Shanden made a small joke, laughter broke out and the mood immediately became livelier.

The vice president of Beijing Film Academy especially laughed aloud and could not help applauding.

Yet his thoughts were in turmoil. He had seen all the school's internal matters, including those involving Beijing Film Studio.

Only after seeing Shen Shanden today did he truly understand that this young man was indeed extraordinary. He acted as if nothing had happened, as though nothing had happened at all.

He kept his emotions hidden. At his age, that was rather frightening.

As for the Beijing Film Academy teachers, some laughed heartily while others forced smiles.

Teacher Huang in particular had been quite active before.

He was somewhat pretentious himself and could not stand seeing others act even more pretentiously than him.

Others heard Shen Shanden's words as a joke, but Teacher Huang always sensed a hint of mockery in them.

Shen Shanden did not care. At that moment, he was the center of attention.

Having livened up the atmosphere, Shen Shanden clearly defined the project's positioning. "The Grand Director is a medium-budget costume action film, approved under the care and support of China Film Group's leadership, rooted in the local market, returning to storytelling, and committed to refining quality."

With that one sentence alone, Deputy Manager Wang's appraisal of Shen Shanden rose another level.

The phrase "China Film Group's leadership" left plenty of room for interpretation. It could refer to him, who was present in person, or to Han Sanping, whom senior China Film Group executives all knew thought highly of Shen Shanden.

But Shen Shanden had not named anyone. If the project succeeded, then today's statement would naturally refer to Han Sanping. If it failed, the matter would simply pass.

Shen Shanden just did not want to attract trouble by standing too tall.

After all, if he really had powerful backing, he needed to keep an even lower profile.

If he knew people thought he was so calculating, he would feel terribly wronged.

Shen Shanden continued, "The Grand Director is a bold attempt—an attempt to use a Chinese core to serve domestic audiences. It aims to explore how to tell a solid, passionate Chinese story with historical texture on a limited budget."

"I would like to formally introduce Mr. Wu Jing. Not only is he taking on the male lead, he is also serving as assistant director, associate producer, and action director! He has even supported this project without taking a single cent, emptying his own fortune for it. Please allow me to express my highest respect!"

Gasps rose throughout the auditorium.

Then thunderous applause broke out. Students loved a passionate story like that.

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

Wu Jing, both excited and moved, rose to bow to the audience.

Shen Shanden concluded, "The Grand Director is not merely a film project. It is also an experiment, a pilot, and an important practical platform for young Beijing Film Academy filmmakers to combine theory with practice."

"I hope The Grand Director can serve as a touchstone, helping costume films and Kung Fu Film explore a new path suited to today's market and serving local audiences."

He raised his voice slightly. "The Grand Director is only the beginning. It carries our courage and sincerity, and in the future, an even grander blueprint awaits us!"

Shen Shanden was hinting at Brotherhood of Blades.

His remarks also sparked speculation among the reporters and students below.

Next came Deputy Manager Wang's speech.

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

He emphasized the strategy of "supporting newcomers."

"China Film Group has always been committed to discovering and nurturing new forces for Chinese Cinema. Shen Shanden, an outstanding student of the Beijing Film Academy Management Department, has demonstrated exceptional potential in project planning, resource integration, and production management. The Grand Director is an important attempt for us to support young talent in practical work and promote integration between industry, academia, and research."

He affirmed Shen Shanden's deep thinking on the film industry, as well as the innovation and practicality of The Grand Director.

He emphasized China Film Group's support for "diverse, multi-level" film creation, and stated that The Grand Director was a worthwhile attempt under that philosophy.

He wished the project a smooth launch and looked forward to its results.

The speech was brief and forceful, mainly serving as a declaration of support and official endorsement.

Then came the school leadership's speech.

They first affirmed the school's teaching achievements, emphasized that Beijing Film Academy provided practical platforms and industry bridges for students with dreams, and promised that the academy would support the project through academic guidance, venue coordination, and other areas.

Shen Shanden, seated beside them, was delighted.

Even if it was merely a polite remark, he would not treat it as one.

The Beijing Film Academy's equipment, personnel, locations, and everything else could be used.

He wanted to create an effect like The Terminator's direct visual display of internal energy circulation, but his budget was nowhere near enough. He had to find every possible way to save money.

The vice president of Beijing Film Academy felt a chill run down his back and promptly wrapped up his speech.

He sighed that he was getting old and his body truly was not as strong as before.

Finally, Wu Jing spoke as both a representative of the creative team and the cast.

"Though Director Shen is young, he is highly professional and efficient. His understanding and command of the project exceeded expectations. His perspective has also brought fresh creative sparks to Kung Fu Film."

Wu Jing's words were more down-to-earth.

Shen Shanden felt he absolutely could not treat Jingzi poorly in the future. This support was far too crucial to him.

Wu Jing's status as a well-known actor, along with his genuine financial investment, could dispel many doubts and reduce much of the gossip.

Then.

The host announced the project launch!

Shen Shanden, Wu Jing, Deputy Manager Wang, and the vice president walked together to a small launch platform at center stage.

The platform was covered with red silk, beneath which sat a symbolic clapperboard model.

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

As they pressed it, the projection screen on the backdrop instantly lit up and switched to the concept poster for The Grand Director.

At the same time, small amounts of golden confetti burst from both sides of the stage, giving the ceremony a full sense of occasion.

The flashbulbs instantly merged into a solid blaze!

Shutters clicked one after another, recording that moment.

The students below erupted into enthusiastic applause and cheers.

After the launch ceremony ended, Deputy Manager Wang left first with the vice president and the others. They spoke quietly as they walked, faint satisfaction on their faces.

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

During the presentation, Shen Shanden demonstrated both professionalism and the project's solid foundation.

There was a detailed business plan, precise market analysis, an excellent script, a reliable team structure, as well as some storyboards and concept art.

Shen Shanden's maturity beyond his years, absolute familiarity with the project, clear understanding of production procedures, candor about difficulties and challenges along with solutions, and powerful confidence deeply affected everyone present.

The media reporters, students, and teachers were either shocked or contemplative, and all of them revised their opinions of the project.

By the time the exchange session began, the atmosphere had improved further. No one regarded this as a casual vanity project.

Shen Shanden and the creative team answered several questions in succession.

These included how he had earned China Film Group's trust and secured tens of millions in investment as a current student, as well as project details.

A reporter also asked Shen Shanden what he thought of Secret, which Jay Chou was currently directing and starring in, and whether he felt any sense of competition.

Others asked China Film Group representative producer Zhang Nengshou why they had chosen an inexperienced newcomer like Shen Shanden to produce a multi-million project, how they would control the risks, and whether China Film Group had safeguards in place.

At this point, Zhang Nengshou did not hesitate. His answer was flawless.

He emphasized China Film Group's comprehensive production management and financial oversight systems, stated that experienced line producers would assist the project, and explained that Shen Shanden was the project's core driver rather than its sole person in charge, so the risks were manageable.

He again emphasized the strategic importance of supporting newcomers.

The student exchange session was friendly as well.

Until a long-haired directing department student questioned Shen Shanden. "I'm a fourth-year directing student. May I ask, does your film have only a commercial concept? Does it have no artistic concept at all?"

"From beginning to end, all I have seen is the stench of money. You wave the banner of commercial supremacy, seeking nothing but profit, without any artistic pursuit whatsoever."

The venue fell quiet.

The teacher hosting the event did not stop him.

That was the Beijing Film Academy style.

Seeing the room fall silent, the student who had asked the question secretly rejoiced. He had begged everyone he could, yet he had not even gotten the opportunity to make a feature film.

Why did Shen Shanden get to directly helm such a major production?

He was deeply indignant. He had spent a long time thinking up this question.

Da Mimi below the stage was angry and worried. What kind of person was this?

Bringing up that kind of question on an occasion like this was a real buzzkill.

Teacher Huang watched from below with secret delight. This question was practically the perfect moral condemnation.

Wu Jing was so angry he laughed. Did they have any idea how hard it was to keep a project worth tens of millions afloat?

If they weren't talking about returns, were they supposed to talk about feelings?

Seeing Wu Jing about to speak, Shen Shanden stopped him, afraid he would fall for the trap.

There was no point discussing reality. They were just trying to claim the moral high ground.

"I once wanted to compete for overseas awards and step into the artistic halls of the European Big Three."

Shen Shanden waited until Zhou Qifeng took back the other person's microphone before speaking slowly.

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

However.

Shen Shanden abandoned his previously relaxed posture, straightened up, and enunciated each word: "A weak nation has no art!"

After a pause, Shen Shanden added, "Of course, a strong nation also has no art!"

"This was my personal experience. A weak film nation lacks the strength for art; it has no ability to create cinematic art. A strong nation has no need for art. Take Hollywood, for example—it doesn't need any so-called cinematic art."

"The European Big Three are very arrogant before us weak film nations, but before a strong film nation like America, they're nothing special."

"The European Film Festival believes it can use tradition, rules, and culture to influence Hollywood, which lacks historical depth."

"The European Big Three see themselves as plump, mature women, while Hollywood is a reckless young man. They think they can use their skills to run Hollywood in circles."

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

What the fuck?

What kind of savage words were those?!

The crowd stirred at once. Quite a few girls' eyes lit up alarmingly, while the boys snickered.

Shen Shanden seemed oblivious.

When making art, after all.

You had to have artistic flair!

The reporters were like sharks smelling blood, utterly thrilled.

"A weak nation has no art" was explosive enough—this was huge news!

As though worried it was not explosive enough, Shen Shanden continued, "Only after we have a certain level of Film Industry and become a strong film nation will others respect us, and will the directors within it have dignity."

"Commercial films are the only path to becoming a strong film nation. Hollywood makes commercial films; however it wants the European Big Three, the European Big Three have to attend to it."

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

"When I understood this, I decided to abandon art for commerce!"

"Because art alone cannot save Chinese cinema!"

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

"Of course, I respect it if you are unwilling. But please do not mock me."

"When we become a strong film nation, you will benefit from it too. Have you noticed the Hollywood elements in today's European Big Three? They are becoming more and more prominent."

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

The long-haired film student who had asked the question was red with suppressed anger.

Teacher Huang's teeth itched too. He was far too good at putting on an act!

Da Mimi felt it.

This was her man!

The reporters had gone mad!

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

Combined with Wu Jing's earlier willingness to bankrupt himself for his brother, this launch ceremony had produced far too much bombshell material!

Clap, clap, clap!

After an initial silence, fierce applause erupted throughout the venue.

The students expressed their support with applause.

In the prime of youth, who didn't have a fire burning in their heart?

Thank you all for your support, as well as the rewards from many readers, including Shishuiliunian.

I finally almost caught up. I'll delete the first version of the work-related section. It seemed nobody knew why the first version was gone. Even the explanation I posted in the comments got folded away. Forget it—I should look ahead instead of dwelling on it.

I can't keep up the ten-thousand-word daily updates. It's too exhausting. While laying the groundwork at the beginning, I wrote myself dizzy every day and had no time to plan. From now on, I'll return to two updates a day.