independent filmmaker

In the evening, Xie Lansheng and Xin Ye went to a certain restaurant to eat pasta, and bought some small souvenirs for Ouyang Nannan, Cen Chen and others.Lan Sheng dotes on Ouyang's daughter the most, and always hopes that she will be happy, so he bought a bunch of miscellaneous things, which made the movie star "hum".He originally wanted to buy AC Milan souvenirs for Cen Chen, but he didn't think that Turin didn't sell them at all, so he bought AC Milan's deadly rival Juventus.

Around midnight, they flew out of the city.Lan Sheng lay on the windowpane and looked out, a little sad.At this time, the snowflakes have stopped, and the Antonelliana spire is clearly visible. It is almost surrounded by dots of lights, and occasionally a torrent of cars shuttles through the arteries of the city.In the distance, the snow-capped Alps still stand silently.

Xie Lansheng said in his heart: "Bye-bye, Torino."

The plane flew higher and higher, Turin, and finally out of sight.

…………

After two days of exhaustion, Xie Lansheng and Xin Ye finally arrived at the Capital International Airport, exhausted.But fortunately, they will soon be able to go back to their respective homes and sleep well.

At the immigration office, when Xie Lansheng handed over his red passport, the man at the Chinese border inspection looked at him and then at him, as if he was confirming something.

Xie Lansheng: "...???"

What's wrong?

He was actually a little nervous when he came back after making a big fuss in the Heavenly Palace. He didn't know if there would be anything new outside of the "8-year ban on filming".

Could it be, could it be, he thought: Will he not be allowed to enter the country?Surely this is not possible?He is a decent Chinese citizen, where else can he go?Uh, spend the rest of your life in an airport?

After a while, the man at the Chinese border inspection nodded to Xie Lansheng: "Okay, let's go in."

"...Ah, thank you." Xie Lan let out a sigh of relief: It seems that everything is just wishful thinking.

He opened his palms and put them on the table, waiting for the border control to return his passport.However, unexpectedly, the other party closed the passport and put it on the corner of the table, and attracted the airport police to guard it temporarily. He raised his head and looked at Xie Lansheng. The baritone said in a calm voice, "Go in." Well, you can go home. This passport has been withdrawn."

"Take it back?" Xie Lansheng didn't react, just stood there blankly.

The attitude of the other party was actually quite good, and he explained to Lan Sheng: "This passport has been withdrawn. You should apply again if you want to go abroad."

"...!!!"

At this point, Xie Lansheng finally understood what happened!

His passport was invalidated! ! !

Knowing that there was absolutely no room for negotiation with the customs side, Xie Lansheng could only nod his head and said, "Okay, thank you, please." Then he entered the border in a dazed state and instinctively, even forgetting to carry the suitcase. Xinye at the back helped to take them across the border.

It never occurred to Xie Lansheng that his passport would be revoked.In other words, he can no longer go abroad.

After being officially banned, he planned to continue making films. He felt that, at most, he would be banned again and again, and the bans would be banned, and the final number of years would be infinitely superimposed and even reach 80 or [-] years.

But now... I can't go abroad.

Then how can he participate in the screening?How to sell the copyright?

"Rooting" can earn 40.5 yuan, which is only enough to make another film.

What about later?

Xin Ye saw that Xie Lansheng was caught off guard, and comforted softly: "It's okay, it won't affect. I can go to the screening, or I can talk about selling the copyright."

"Hmm..." Xie Lansheng didn't take Xin Ye's words to heart - Xin Ye was just his friend, how could he go so far for himself, and he wouldn't act in every movie he would do next.However, Xinye was right in at least one thing, that is, although he could not go abroad by himself, he could entrust others to go abroad.However, entrusting others to sell the copyright is not safe after all, because the only person who cares about the work is the director himself, and the person who understands the work best is the director himself. Regardless of attitude or technique, the director is the most suitable.What's more, after this film festival, he already has experience and is no longer a novice.I thought it would be easier to negotiate the copyright next time, but it turns out that it will be more difficult?

There are always "surprises" in life.

Xie Lansheng thought, it seems that he will hire a more clever producer in the future.Those European and American sales companies don’t talk to cats and dogs, they only see directors or producers, and they call people casually, and they will definitely get nothing in the end.This time, if I hadn't been in the "advertising" level in all likelihood, I would have fallen.

Where can I find such a film?In the past, the directors of Xiaoxiang Production were basically middle-aged aunts, managing money and people, with a loud voice.

The already difficult "making a movie" has become more difficult again-he still needs to get a very good producer.

Oh my goodness.

Hey, I have a headache, forget it, let's think about it tomorrow.

…………

After Xie Lansheng got home, he told his mother that he had won a big prize and earned 40 yuan, but Li Jingrou was unmoved, and said again: "It's great to work in a state-owned factory!!! Look who has a solid job but still has to work alone ?! Are you stupid? Big state-owned enterprises have everything guaranteed, you don’t have another meal after eating, it’s hard to find a partner!!! I asked my neighbor’s aunt yesterday if there is any girl to introduce, and they said no! It's perfunctory!"

Xie Lansheng: "..." It came again, and it came again after ten days of silence.

But Lan Sheng still coaxed: "The net profit is 15. I sold a movie and sold it enough for others to earn for 20 years. Anyone who talks about your son in the future will throw the truth in his face."

"Okay, okay, it's not about that. Food, housing and pensions are not covered inside and out. Big state-owned enterprises can allocate houses, how about you?"

Xie Lansheng also had nothing to say.There have been "commercial housing" in the past two years, but the number is very scarce. The average price is 1000 yuan per square meter, which is even higher in Beijing, so he definitely can't buy it.

Li Jingrou complained for a while, and finally said: "Oh, by the way, your professor Wang Jinjin from Nortel just called and told you to call back when you come back."

"Did Teacher Wang say something?"

Li Jingrou said angrily again: "Then who knows!"

"..." Xie Lansheng looked at the wall clock and found that it was eleven o'clock.

"Are you asleep? Do you want to call?" After hesitating, Xie Lansheng decided to call back, because if there was no urgent matter, it would be impolite at best, but if there was something urgent, there might be endless troubles.

Wang Jinjin really didn't sleep, he said: "Lan Sheng, congratulations, I heard that "Rooting" won the "Best Film" award at the film festival."

"Well, thank you teacher, I didn't think much of it myself. The Japanese copyright was sold, and Europe signed an agency. Renaissance International will sell 20 pounds within five years, otherwise it will pay 50%."

"Hey, it's also a good ending. Renaissance International Company has very strong operational capabilities." After the congratulations, Wang Xianjin was silent for a while on the microphone before speaking again, "Lan Sheng, there is such a thing , Deputy Director Fang of the Film Bureau said that he would like to have a talk with you."

"Talk?" Xie Lansheng's voice was aggrieved, like complaining, and like being coquettish: "What are you talking about, what else is there to talk about. I even took away my passport."

Wang Jinjin thought for a while, and then continued: "Lan Sheng, don't worry too much. The punishment decision has already been made, and it will not become more serious. Deputy Director Fang told me that he just wanted to talk to you. , it’s not that serious, don’t be afraid.”

"I'm not afraid..." Well, stretching out the head is a knife, and shrinking the head is also a knife, admit it, he is not afraid of boiling water.

"Let's go there at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. You wait for the leader, don't let the leader wait for you." Wang Xianjin said, "Do you know the address of the Film Bureau? It's... When you enter the door, say your name is Xie Lansheng. Just go there and find Deputy Director Fang." .”

"I know."

"After the chat, make a call to report."

"Okay, I will, thank you Teacher Wang for your concern."

"Should be. I wish you all the best then."

"Ah."

Putting down the phone, Xie Lansheng wondered what Deputy Director Fang wanted to "talk", but couldn't figure out why, and finally fell asleep, quite peacefully.In the dream, he returned to Turin again, and saw Xin Ye again in the swirling snowflakes.

…………

In the early morning of the next day, Xie Lansheng put on the nearly 2000 yuan suit in Turin, went out and took the subway for a while, and went to the film bureau to "suffer to death".He wanted to appear more important, more tense, and less deadly.

The first time he was interviewed by the agency, he felt a little nervous. However, Xie Lansheng knew that there was no way he could avoid good or bad, so he could only face it calmly.

Deputy Director Fang is in his 60s, a little white, a little fat, with combed back hair, wearing glasses, and two big chunks of flesh at the corners of his mouth are obviously protruding. Xie Lansheng inexplicably thinks of Shar Pei dogs in cartoons.His office is very spacious, with a row of bookshelves against the wall, the desk in front of the bookshelves, a large leather sofa and a black coffee table on the east side of the room, the coffee table is covered with newspapers.

Deputy Director Fang asked Xie Lansheng to sit directly opposite the desk, crossed his fingers, smiled slightly, but was actually quite kind: "Lan Sheng, do you know that you made a mistake?"

Xie Lansheng said, "I know."

Deputy Director Fang sighed: "Then, do you know that you have been punished?"

"I know," Xie Lansheng also tried to put on the most sincere appearance, "I won't be able to do film production within 8 years."

"Well, yes." Deputy Director Fang still kept his fingers crossed, but lowered his eyes to look at the table, as if he was about to say something, and then he spoke again after a long while, "Lan Sheng, although I haven't had a chance to see " "Growing Roots" film, but knowing that it won an award, I think it has a considerable ideological level and artistic level."

"???"

Xie Lansheng had some doubts.

He was already prepared to be reprimanded by the Film Bureau, but unexpectedly, the director suddenly praised his film.

Everyone likes to be recognized, and the tense atmosphere in the room eased a lot at once.

Deputy Director Fang continued: "I also read the Hong Kong newspaper's report on "Rooting". To be honest, I also think it is different from many current movies. There are some things that your young directors want to express, and your young directors Some views on society are quite good. Personally, I think the theme and content are not bad.”

Xie Lansheng: "???"

No, what kind of situation is this?

"Lan Sheng, you are a talented young director," Deputy Director Fang continued, "Although you made a big mistake, you can correct it in the future. We still very much hope that you and director Feng Mao will not give up easily Movies. During the period when filming is banned, you can save the country with curves, act as on-the-spot recorders, act as assistants, and even write scripts. At the same time, continue to study and study, and don’t waste your profession. As long as you don’t be a film director, our side... You can also turn a blind eye and close one eye. Think about it carefully, this time is long or short - other people have to wait at least 6 years in the big studios, right? You have already made a film Yes, as long as you can correct your mistakes, there will still be a bright future, and the film bureau also welcomes you to direct again after lifting the ban."

"..."

He understood why deputy director fang wanted to talk to him.The film bureau also cherishes talent, he won the grand prize in Turin, the leader of the film bureau hoped that he would not leave the film easily, but he violated the regulations, in order to block the mouths of Yoyo, he still banned him to the end.

However, Xie Lansheng disagreed with what the deputy director said just now.

He thought that while he was waiting he would waste his major, and that everything he had learned would evaporate with time.Filmmaking requires practice, just like learning to draw and write. If you just watch without practicing, you will inevitably regress. The same is true for learning football and basketball. Moreover, he often feels time is tight, and a person’s life is only a few decades. To sum up, progress is needed, and there is no way to wait.At the same time, Xie Lansheng also believes that his impulse, his passion, his creation, and his spirituality will all be worn away during the long wastage.What he wants to shoot is the thinking of "young people" on China, and hopes to present the living conditions of Chinese people in the early 90s. This is a film that he can only make at a certain stage of life. In a few years, everything will change. He has changed—he has changed, and China has changed, so he can't do it.

He can't wait.He can still shoot.He wants to record himself, and also wants to record the present moment.

At that time, Fang Fang, the deputy director, would not say such outrageous words.

The two chatted for a while, Xie Lansheng's attitude was good, and finally, it was time to say goodbye.

Deputy Director Fang actually saw that Xie Lansheng was wronged, and he didn't feel better because of the "friendly face" of the film bureau. He opened his mouth, hesitated to speak, and hesitated several times. The man said something in his heart: "Lan Sheng, in fact, the film bureau also wants to give you young directors some way to go."

"...Huh?" Sensing a different atmosphere, Xie Lansheng raised his head again.

Deputy Director Fang said: "We actually know that all of you directors have creative impulses, you want to create, you want to make movies, and you even have to do it and make it. The current factory standard system is a little embarrassing for you. "

Xie Lansheng: "...ah."

He regards creation as his life, and he started making underground films simply because he wanted to make films.Director Guan asked him to wait another five years, but after many events, Xie Lansheng could no longer believe what Director Guan said, that was the last straw that broke his camel's back.

He doesn't understand why there are indicators for "creation"?Why do we have to rigidly stipulate how many people can only create each year?Why, the big directors monopolize the indicators, and young people can't create?Why, only 16 factory directors in the country have the right to decide who can create and who cannot?This is not the case with singing, dancing, drawing, taking pictures, writing, etc.Is everything different because you like movies?Even TV shows are released.

The impulse in their hearts is really hard to suppress. If they wait a few years to shoot, all the feelings will be gone.Originally, in 1985, these film lovers saw that the Nortel students who graduated in 82 and 83 were valued and became directors. "We monopolized the film factory logo together, and re-welded the doors and windows, and did not fight for any opportunities for young people to be filmed.As a result, they have many stories in their hearts but they can't tell any of them.

The chatterbox had already been opened, and Deputy Director Fang sighed again: "Actually, our film bureau... also wants to give young directors a way out. If you can't make a film in the studio, then you can raise funds to shoot and enjoy yourself. It’s also a way. We don’t want to ruin talented young people.”

"……Um?"

Hearing this, Xie Lansheng was shocked.

He originally thought that the Film Bureau was a high-ranking and stubborn old man who didn't know the heartache of these young people, but it turned out... did they understand?

Everything is different from what I thought.

"We originally wanted to forget it first, and see what will happen in the future. If there are any bad signs, we will stop them. At least there have been no bad results yet." Deputy Director Fang said, holding a few people beside him with his right hand. He patted the manuscript paper, and said a little sadly, "However, Xie Lansheng, you have been reported...!!"

"Report?" Xie Lansheng looked up, his eyes were blank, and he asked, "Who is...?"

"It can't be said." Deputy Director Fang said, "However, there are more than one report letter from three directors, saying that you have affected the normal spread of China's image internationally. So, you did make a mistake and filmed without permission. Participating in the exhibition, since someone reported you, the film bureau must deal with it, and it can't be treated as ignorance."

"..." Xie Lansheng also understood.Since others reported them, naturally no one would want to protect them, otherwise the film bureau would be seriously negligent if the higher authorities pursued them.

After a while, Deputy Director Fang leaned back on the big leather chair, patted the stack of manuscript paper again, and smiled wryly: "Xie Lansheng, you left the studio, raised your own funds and filmed by yourself, don't fight or grab, let all the movie resources It was given to those seniors. However, your respected leaders... still can't tolerate you."

Hearing this emotion, Xie Lansheng was stunned.

No matter how many evils of human nature he has seen in movies, he will still feel chills all over his body because of the real world.

They don't want the "factory logo" anymore, but even if they just go out to participate in some European and American film festivals, win awards, sell copyrights, and get attention, isn't it okay?Is it also in their way?Is it also taking advantage of them?

That's just a little bit.

He and Feng Mao gave all the regular resources to the big directors, taking huge risks to make illegal movies and underground movies, but some big directors still didn't give them a way out.

The author has something to say: In reality, it took 96 and 97 to receive passports.After Zhang Yuan was banned in 1994, he went to film "East Palace and West Palace". He was disobedient and his passport was confiscated.These are all done step by step, not all at the same time, but the novels can’t be too scattered, so I put them together to explain~ because the panda mother thinks that Lan Sheng’s son can bear it.

Lan Sheng: "...Mom???"

Jia Zhangke said that he was banned after filming "Xiao Wu" (1997) because he was reported...a literary planner by a certain director.