Chapter 64

Behind the CCTV Film Channel stands the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television. Naturally, they would not be unprepared when they took the lead in extending a program invitation to Spielberg. This program, titled "A Journey Through World Cinema," would also invite Zhang Yimou as a guest to engage in a dialogue between major directors. The leadership, always fond of grand achievements, clearly hoped to organize it into a Sino-US film exchange, wishing they could arrange all of Spielberg's itinerary in China.

Throughout the entire process, Chen Tian was just an add-on, mentioned in passing.

Chen Tian did not have high hopes for this. He only wanted to start filming as soon as possible and did not want to be disturbed by anything else. However, since he still planned to make films in the country, maintaining good relations with them was very necessary.

This was not the first time Spielberg had served as a producer. As one of the world's most famous directors, it was also not the first time he had participated in international film exchanges. Upon hearing Chen Tian's relay, he was not surprised. "Christmas, our schedule in China is very tight. Are you sure I need to participate in your country's program? I don't mean anything by it, I just want to know what you think."

Chen Tian replied seriously, "I hope the director can participate. China's box office is not high compared to the world, but you have many fans in China, and every movie you release causes a huge stir. Whether it's to cultivate your fan base in China or for the sake of our film, participating in the program has no downside. Our country has some special circumstances, and we can only import a specified number of foreign films each year. This year's quota is already used up. I hope the director can use this opportunity to discuss the import of two films next year, 'The Sixth Sense' and 'The Matrix.' As for the film production, I am sufficient."

Spielberg agreed, and Chen Tian relayed the message to CCTV and the Film Association. They were delighted and credited Chen Tian for his efforts, immediately starting the coordination work. Zhang Yimou, who was currently filming "My Father and My Mother," was urgently recalled to Beijing to prepare for the program.

With the enthusiastic cooperation of the major directors, the application for the Great Wall as a filming location for "The Matrix" was quickly approved. Relevant departments even dispatched staff to assist, showing such enthusiasm that the Americans found it hard to handle. With Spielberg's personal persuasion, "The Sixth Sense," which was not originally planned for import, seemed to have a chance.

Several leaders had heard that "The Sixth Sense" had been screened several times at the Central Academy of Drama, receiving unanimous praise from students and teachers: "As expected of a movie that grossed over 600 million globally, the story structure is unexpected. The atmosphere is not overly terrifying but is filled with social relations and humanistic care. Chen Tian's performance is also captivating, his deep eyes have charmed many female students..."

Several female students in Yuan Quan's class had watched it multiple times. Their class, which had two of the most beautiful girls who had worked with Chen Tian on an advertisement, was already familiar with him. Now, seeing this film, they admired him even more.

Several other classes had even started analyzing the film in detail.

One wouldn't know unless it was analyzed by teachers, but only then did they realize why this film was so sensational in America. The story was full of suspense, the plot structure was meticulously crafted, and the final ending, which made people drop their jaws, was a classic.

Due to the strong reaction from the students at the Central Academy of Drama, the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Chinese Opera also sent friendly signals, asking if they could borrow the film. Chen Tian, who had brought back several copies, donated a few reels, along with expensive cameras and projectors. Of course, he also warned them not to leak the film to the outside world. Although the domestic box office was no longer significant for the film, who would refuse more money, especially since his film still had the hope of being screened in the country.

Thus, "The Sixth Sense" became a sensation in several major film schools, creating a small viewing craze. Chen Tian's popularity also soared, making him an idol for many.

In this situation, the Central Academy of Drama was even more eager for Chen Tian to return to school for a graduation speech.

After the reform and opening up, many of the country's leading film studios faced significant challenges. Especially in the past five years, domestic films were almost non-existent.

If this continued, even domestic audiences would look down on domestic films, saying, "Don't joke around, are domestic films even meant for human consumption?" This was undoubtedly a great tragedy.

Due to the system, most provinces in China had their own state-owned film studios. However, apart from the six state-owned studios in Changchun, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, August 1st, and Emei, which could barely make a profit, the others were supported by state funds to avoid bankruptcy.

At this time, China was not short of films that could win international awards. China had enough material to produce award-winning films, but apart from the awards, they almost made no money. Many films won awards just to gain recognition and did not generate any economic value.

However, in an era when the total domestic box office (for domestic films) was less than 1 billion, Chen Tian's example was a vivid reality. A film shot by a Chinese student had grossed 660 million globally, which was a dream come true for domestic filmmakers. It not only happened but also greatly inspired students' dreams of making films and getting rich.

Several major universities believed that this young man had learned real skills from Spielberg, mastering the Hollywood methods of making profitable films.

If domestic filmmakers could receive his guidance and learn some of Hollywood's advanced market experiences, perhaps more Chen Tians could emerge in the future.

Accompanied by Kong Yiji, Huang Bo, and others, Chen Tian attended the graduation ceremony held for him at the school. Returning to the school now, things were different. He put on his graduation cap and felt a sense of accomplishment.

On that day, Kate also specially attended his graduation ceremony. During the latter part of the ceremony, Spielberg made a surprise appearance, clapping for his graduation. Beside him was Zhang Yimou.

Zhang Yimou had been accompanying Spielberg for several days, and the two seemed to have developed a friendship.

Not only did his friends and family attend Chen Tian's graduation ceremony, but it also attracted many media reporters, including those from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Hollywood. Seeing the camera with the prominent NBC logo, many people were taken aback. The blonde reporter seemed to be from the Los Angeles Times, wow.

Perhaps because there were too many reporters, President Xu Xiang's face was red as he spoke officiously on the stage of the grand hall, "Recently, everyone knows that our school has produced a great director. He shot a film in America that grossed 660 million globally and is a strong contender for next year's Oscars. He has won both the market and the audience's hearts. Today, this student is about to graduate, and I am honored to present him with his graduation certificate. This is a testament to the success of our Central Academy of Drama's educational philosophy of nurturing talent over decades..." After saying a few more words, he finally called Chen Tian to the stage, personally presenting him with the graduation certificate, despite the students' disdainful looks.

Amidst a round of applause, Chen Tian held up the certificate.

Just as he was about to speak, the president took the microphone and loudly announced, "Next, please welcome Chen Tian to share his experiences from Hollywood, where he learned under the call of Comrade Xiaoping to 'boldly go out' and 'learn from the advanced market experiences of the West.' Let's give him a warm round of applause!"

Finally, it was time to speak. Amidst even more enthusiastic applause, Chen Tian quickly adjusted his mood and, under the gaze of hundreds of eyes, was not the least bit nervous. He glanced at the students below, but there were few familiar faces. His classmates from the same year had already graduated and left, with only a few staying to further their studies.

The most familiar faces were those of Zhang Ziyi and Yuan Quan, who had shared drinks with him. He smiled faintly, came to the microphone, and was about to give his graduation speech.