Zhang Yimou’s speech in Berlinale

Congratulations on the 60th anniversary of berlinale. 60th anniversary has an old saying in China—JiaZi. 60th anniversary is a complete cycle which augurs well for the Berlinale. It is the most worthy of celebration for the Chinese people. So it a good new start for the Chinese people.

I have a deepest source with the Berlinale. And, I thank it most. Why? Red Sorghum, which is my first film, won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. It was the beginning of my Film.It was also an award-winning for the fifth-generation directors of China to receive the VIFF’s concern. We can say that award was the beginning for the Chinese fifth-generation directors to debut. It was also the start of an era. From this perspective, Berlinale, the Chinese’s fifth-generation directors and I are all the mark of the File.

It was the first time for me to attend the VIFF. I totally did not know the rule of the VIFF. And I did not know which day the result would be out. I took a bunch of Chinese students to East Berlin. I still remember that we took 20 deutsche mark to East Berlin at that time. Can you believe that we can change 200 East Bailinmake by 20 deutsche mark. During the day, we went to East. They told me that we could not take the East Bailinmake back to West Berlin. So we should use up 20 East Bailinmake. The goods were very cheap at that time, so bought a many goods.

We, six kids went in a particular high-level hotel in East Berlin, and ordered a lot of food and drink. But we could not use up the money. What should we do? We can only buy a lot of cheap goods on the street. But at time DVD had not come out yeah. So we could not buy discount DVD. I bought a pair of expensive shoes for my assistant director. At that time, Boots cost only 20 Mark. Before we used up this money, they told us, we won the Golden Bear.At that time, the translation was an old man-Jiao Li. We could not find him. How Worried we were!

At that time, I knew few about The Golden Bear though I was very excited. It was the first time for me to be a director, and I did not know the meaning for my future. I can only remember I was so excited but nothing else. Soon, Berlin Wall was dismantled, the world came into a new world, and we could exchange with the others.

Film is a communication bridge between you and me. It makes people who are from difference countries and nations to understand and appreciate each other. It is the file’s greatness. It is why we all love file. Then, Barlinale is the most important pillars of this bridge. Barlinale let us have a chance to know more friends and artifacts.

Here, I hope that Barlinale can act as a bridge and link which will make all the people understand and support each other in the world. I hope it will be stronger and stronger. And I wish that there will be more and more people going on this bridge.

Thant you!