Chapter 62: The Shark That Snatches Flesh

"Minister, my film cannot be compared to those cheap horror films and popcorn movies."

For the sake of future prospects, Fang Dan gritted his teeth and said, "If such an Arab art film can win awards at the three major film festivals, the immense and far-reaching impact it would have is enough to make history!"

Because of his investment in a film, Mansour had some understanding of the film industry and naturally knew about the long history and immense influence of the three major European film festivals.

An Arab film winning awards had quite a big appeal to him.

But he didn't immediately commit. He felt that there was something off about the script Fang Dan provided, but being an outsider, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Seeing Mansour's lack of response, Fang Dan continued, "Minister, you've already ventured into the film industry, as everyone knows. Your first film investment, 'Human Purge Plan,' is also about to be released in the UAE. But those people in Hollywood cannot be trusted!"

Mansour had seen the script and investment settlement sent by Saleh for "Ace Agent." The work done by Ronan Anderson was impeccable. Could someone like that be untrustworthy?

Receiving a substantial investment back to Paris or continuing to be a broke director, Fang Dan believed the turning point of fate was in Abu Dhabi.

"What is the core of Hollywood movies? Commerce! Profit!" he continued. "Those people in Hollywood, for the sake of commercial profit, can betray even the art of film, let alone other things? The essence of film art should be the transmission of culture, a reflection of faith and social essence, not just entertainment!"

Mansour nodded slowly. While he didn't agree with what was said about Ronan Anderson, these words about film art did touch him to some extent.

It did make some sense.

Perhaps investing in Mr. Fang Dan's film was worth a try. While continuing to invest in commercial Hollywood films, why not also try a high-end art film?

If the latter could win awards, that investment would pay off.

Money was something the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority didn't lack, but every penny needed to be used where it mattered.

Both projects seemed promising.

Mansour had received higher education and definitely belonged to the elite class. His mind quickly reviewed the two scripts. Ronan Anderson's script focused too much on entertainment and lacked internal thought, while Fang Dan's script was too obscure...

"Mr. Fang Dan," Mansour had an idea. "I need someone to evaluate your script. Please wait in Abu Dhabi for two days, and I will give you a reply as soon as possible."

Hearing this, Fang Dan breathed a sigh of relief.

Mansour didn't have film experts under his command. The entire UAE's film industry was at a stage where it could only import films but not produce them. He couldn't find professional evaluators either. His plan was simple: let Ronan Anderson evaluate Fang Dan's script.

Hmm... let Fang Dan evaluate Ronan Anderson's script too.

Perhaps combining the strengths of both could make the film even better?

Yes, a combination of commerce and art.

Mansour took out a photocopy and handed it to Fang Dan. "This is a Hollywood script I just received. Take a look and provide some feedback."

Fang Dan immediately took it. Below the title "Ace Agent" on the script cover was the name of the scriptwriter, a familiar name—Ronan Anderson!

A competitor's script...

He opened it and skimmed through. Just the beginning made it difficult to continue. It was all about helicopter bombings, explosions, and killings, the typical tacky Hollywood stuff.

Mansour put away Fang Dan's script, planning to let Ronan Anderson see it too.

A stretch limousine stopped in front of a hotel. Fang Dan was about to get off when Mansour invited, "Rest for now. I'll have someone pick you up in the afternoon to attend the premiere."

Fang Dan understood that it was about "Human Purge Plan." He also wanted to see who Ronan Anderson was. To defeat a competitor, one must first understand them.

It had been several days since he struck up a conversation with Mansour in Saudi Arabia, but Mansour hadn't budged on the investment, perhaps because of these Hollywood people who came.

...

At five in the afternoon, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Theater, the UAE premiere of "Human Purge Plan" began.

Numerous wealthy individuals, celebrities, and members of the royal family from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi attended the premiere. Even representatives from Dubai came.

Ronan deliberately appeared in front of numerous media cameras, walking along the long red carpet and enthusiastically embracing the male lead, Mohammed, when he reached the interview area.

A journalist from the UAE National Television immediately came over for an interview.

"Mr. Anderson, Arabs rarely play important roles in Hollywood movies," the journalist asked. "How was your cooperation with Mohammed this time?"

In recent days, Mohammed and his wife had been participating in various media activities in Abu Dhabi, enjoying great fame. They were truly returning in triumph.

Ronan replied, "In real life, Mohammed is an intellectual. He is very clever and has a high IQ. But on set, he is a great actor. His greatness lies in the fact that he can erase all traces of his personal life and ego while filming. In this movie, he performed excellently because, on set, he erased all of his personal characteristics and fully immersed himself in the role. He is easy to work with and can handle various roles."

This was the answer all three parties wanted to hear.

Ronan needed to show his position with his Arab old friend, the Abu Dhabi officials hoped to highlight Arab actors, and Mohammed felt somewhat grateful. Being ignored and discriminated against for too long made respect particularly important.

The journalist continued, "When we interviewed Mr. Mohammed, he mentioned the discrimination against minority actors in Hollywood. What are your thoughts on this?"

"This is indeed a real issue," Ronan said solemnly. "It is unfair and deeply hurts those who truly love movies. I really hope to change this situation and am willing to work hard for it."

At this moment, he became a civil rights fighter for freedom and equality: "No matter what you believe in, where you come from, or what color your skin is, no matter what political ideology you hold, everyone is equal!"

Mohammed nodded repeatedly beside him. If Hollywood had more people like Ronan, it would be much better.

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson," the journalist said. "You are our true friend."

Ronan timely added, "As a friend, words alone are not enough. I have been acting, so this movie came into being."

The journalist nodded heavily. "Right! You are absolutely right!"

The interview concluded, and Ronan and Mohammed went to the photo area, taking pictures with some officials from the Investment Authority, and then entered the VIP room of the theater, where they met Saleh.

"Come here," Saleh led Ronan into the adjacent lounge. "My brother Mansour wants to see you."

Ronan entered the lounge and immediately saw Mansour, greeting him with a smile. "Hello, Minister."

"Hello, Mr. Anderson," Mansour shook his hand.

The two chatted briefly about "Human Purge Plan," and Mansour took the initiative to say, "I've read your proposal and the script for 'Ace Agent.' They're very good. The Investment Authority is deliberating, and we will give you a reply soon."

"Thank you for the support of the Investment Authority and Minister," Ronan replied patiently.

"Oh, right." Mansour took out a bound book and handed it over. "This is a script I just received. I don't have professionals here. Could you take a look and give some advice?"

Ronan took the script and glanced at it. The title of the script, "Life in the UAE," was written in three fonts: French, English, and Arabic. The author of the script was someone named Fang Dan, with the nationality marked as French.

"I met a French director in Saudi Arabia who had some ideas. He's planning to shoot an artistic film reflecting UAE society, targeting the three major European film festivals..." Mansour explained briefly.

Ronan remained calm but was thinking about the so-called French director who smelled blood so quickly.

"Give some advice?" Ronan confirmed.

Mansour seemed quite serious, not just saying it casually. "Mr. Anderson, I trust your professional level. Please take a careful look at this script."

Ronan couldn't refuse and said, "Okay, I need some time."

Mansour smiled back, "No rush."

After the conversation, Ronan left the lounge first and entered the VIP room, where he chatted with the people Saleh had just introduced him to.