NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52
The first day of the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival ended with the evening.
People walked the darkened streets talking about movies.
“There’s one that’s really a hit this time.”
“Right? I can’t believe they thought to direct it like that!”
Just the fact that they came to a short film festival was proof of their love for movies.
Most people mainly discussed direction and composition.
Then someone said,
“Kim Donghu, seriously, I knew he was good, but I didn’t expect him to act that well.”
“It’s not just that he acts well; it’s like… he really becomes that person?”
“Wait, why is he so good at martial arts? I heard he plays the piano too.”
The conversation eventually turned to the movie [Hero].
“I liked how they hid the brutality with the black-and-white visuals; the separation into black and white was intentional.”
“Self-justice is obviously illegal, but you know, sometimes the law can’t judge those who truly deserve it.”
“It’s ridiculous how it’s not recognized as mutual.”
“Exactly, they started the violence first, so it’s only natural to respond, right?”
A hero never takes the initiative.
Just like in typical hero stories, the good guys never strike first against the bad guys.
The hero created by passive circumstances evokes empathy in some ways.
“But there are still laws; isn’t it wrong to act like that? I mean, just because you’re strong, you can hit someone?”
In some ways, that also drew criticism.
It’s a natural response.
In fact, the movie [Hero] just raises questions without providing any solid answers.
“But the final scene was truly art.”
“Right? You mean the escape scene?”
“Yeah, the part where he runs out of the camera’s view felt like he was escaping from everyone.”
“Oh, that was just amazing. And it’s funny because even though his face was barely visible, his good looks shone through!”
The audience nodded in agreement.
They praised Kim Donghu’s face.
“But luckily, if he completely covers his face, maybe we won’t see his handsomeness, huh, Kim Donghu?”
Sitting nearby, Kim Sujin chuckled at this conversation.
“…You came all the way here just to tease me?”
Kim Donghu replied in a small voice while adjusting his disguise.
Sujin found it amusing and continued with a smile.
“Seriously, why didn’t you invite me? If you had, this wouldn’t have happened.”
“How could I invite you when I’m not even a part of the staff? I’m just a minor actor!”
A minor actor.
Hearing that made Sujin’s eyes widen a bit.
‘He really thinks that way, huh.’
He must not realize what kind of influence that minor actor has now.
It’s probably due to his humility. But isn’t he at a level where he can be a bit boastful?
“Someone like you can definitely invite someone!”
“Come on, I don’t think your moms would care. I’m still not there.”
Whack!
As soon as she heard his reply, Sujin playfully hit Donghu’s shoulder without hurting him.
“What do you mean, ‘your moms’?!”
Aren’t you going to be careful with your word choices?!
This is crazy.
Kim Sujin was taken aback by the word “mother” and began mumbling to herself.
‘Well, it is kind of cute.’
While Kim Donghu was enjoying that reaction and laughing…
“Has anyone seen Kim Donghu the Hero?! Gather up!!!!!”
The fan cafe for Kim Donghu was in chaos.
Though it hadn’t been officially named yet, it was rapidly growing with a steep increase in members.
The main purpose of this place, of course, was to show off the love for Kim Donghu.
Additionally, the rumor that the manager was the representative of Kim Donghu’s agency was famous for bringing official information faster than anyone else, quenching the fans’ thirst.
In the midst of this, a hot-off-the-press news item was delivered.
[Actor Kim Donghu will appear at the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival [Hero]. Please give him lots of love and attention.]
The news that Kim Donghu was coming to a short film festival left no fan idle.
With about a week to prepare, fans leisurely coordinated their schedules and rushed off to the short film festival.
“Seriously, this guy looks good even in black and white films.”
“No kidding, his face definitely looks like a sculpture, even the shaded parts are so handsome;”
“This is my first time at a short film festival, and there are actually a bunch of other interesting films too?”
“Really… thanks to our Donghu oppa, I’m having multiple experiences, it’s worth it~”
People tend to attract others.
The sight of fans coming to see Kim Donghu sparked curiosity among the surrounding people.
“Hmm? Oh, I think that’s the film festival over there.”
“Kim Donghu? That Hydrium guy? I guess he’s coming.”
“Should we check it out too?”
“Yeah, I was bored anyway, perfect timing.”
This naturally led to unexpected promotion for the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival.
Staff members, taken aback by the sudden boom, were springing up everywhere, and the chairman of the Korean Film Directors Association had a grin stretching from ear to ear.
“Let’s keep this momentum going.”
Was it a coincidence that their wishes came true?
The estimated audience for the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival reached about 20,000.
Compared to the minimum expectations, that was roughly twice as many.
Wouldn’t it be great if all film festivals were like this one?
Amid those hopes…
“Before we start the awards, the judging committee members will give their greetings.”
The time had come to conclude the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival.
+++++
Thump thump thump.
My heart was pounding like crazy.
Even taking a calming pill didn’t help me relax.
‘If I had known this, I shouldn’t have had coffee.’
But if I hadn’t had that, it would have been tough.
Avoiding caffeine was definitely the way to go.
Continuously mumbling to himself, [Hero] director Lee Seong-deok couldn’t lift his head.
The special greeting from the judges, encouragement from the esteemed director Kang Sang-hun whom he had always admired, discussions about how successful this festival had been, and more.
A flurry of words followed, but he couldn’t hear any of it.
Glance.
Director Lee Seong-deok looked over at Kim Donghu, who was sitting dignified beside him.
How is it that someone more than ten years younger than him could remain so calm?
Why is he so calm?
“Is this why stars are decided from the moment they’re born?”
Director Lee Seong-deok, lost in his own imaginative world, seemed unfazed.
The awards ceremony was moving quickly, announcing winners one after the other.
“Now, for the 50,000 Beatings section! The winner of the Best Picture Award is…”
The hero! Congratulations!
Applause erupted along with the announcement of the winning work.
Until that moment, Director Lee Seong-deok had his head down, covering his ears.
He couldn’t bear to listen.
And then, right at that moment.
“Director, you’ve won an award, so please make your presence known.”
At the sound of actor Kim Donghu’s voice, he sprang up.
Like a spring bouncing back, he awkwardly made his way to the stage.
“Uh, um, uh…”
It would be a lie to say he hadn’t expected this.
But he never truly thought he could win.
“Uh, really, thank you! Ah, I hope to make good movies…!”
Time flew by as he stumbled through his words, not really knowing what he had said.
Next, the announcement for the following award began.
Interestingly, it was presented before Director Lee Seong-deok even got to step down.
This meant…
“Audience Award Category! Work: Hero! Congratulations!”
An indication that he would be receiving another award.
“Ugh… b-b-buh…?”
Naturally, Director Lee Seong-deok was malfunctioning.
The ceremony continued smoothly despite his state.
Because…
“Performance Award Category! Work: Hero! Actor Kim Donghu, congratulations!”
They could just call up another eloquent person to share acceptance speeches.
Clap clap clap!
Flash! Flash! Flash!
As applause erupted, countless camera flashes went off.
The star of all that noise, Kim Donghu, confidently stood before the microphone.
‘Already a triple crown winner?’
‘This is crazy.’
‘He is really handsome.’
‘Look at that proportion, what is he, a statue?’
‘There’s no way he’s getting the grand prize too, right?’
‘If he does get the grand prize… that’d be a four-time winner? This is history.’
‘So they won’t give it to him.’
As all the reporters shared similar thoughts, Kim Donghu began his acceptance speech.
“Thank you so much. Especially while filming the short film, I learned a lot about what cinema is. Even though I’m still an inexperienced actor, I am grateful for this overwhelming love…”
A brief yet heartfelt speech.
Especially when he mentioned the names of all the film staff,
Sniff.
Director Lee Seong-deok, quietly standing behind, was even brought to tears.
“…I will work harder to become an actor worthy of this award. Thank you.”
“Sniff… sniff… th-thank you…”
And with that, the acceptance speech concluded.
Due to tears, he could barely speak, and with nowhere to look, Kim Donghu led Director Lee Seong-deok back up.
Ha ha ha ha.
That brought a moment of laughter to the ceremony.
Afterward, the special jury award, director award, and technical award were announced in succession.
Now, only one last award remained.
The Best Mise-en-scène for Short Films.
To present that award, Director Kang Sang-hun stepped up to the microphone.
He stood before everyone.
“Hello, I’m Director Kang Sang-hun. It’s truly an honor to be called here by Mise-en-scène.”
“Without further ado, I’m going to announce the grand prize.”
Everyone laughed at his straightforwardness.
At the same time, they secretly glanced at one side.
Looks that said they already knew who the winner was.
As if to prove that with those looks.
“The top prize goes to… Hero! Congratulations!”
The winning work was announced immediately.
“Ueeehhh!”
The already sensitive Director Lee Seong-deok burst into tears right there.
‘What a fool!’
And as he looked at the crying Director Lee Seong-deok, Director Kang Sang-hun’s eyes were burning fiercely.
How dare such a weakling take that honor!
‘He was the first to film our Donghu…!’
Thank goodness he got the shots right.
If he hadn’t achieved four awards, I would’ve gone straight to him to say something.
Squish, stomp.
Kim Donghu helped the sobbing Director Lee Seong-deok onto the stage.
He didn’t even get to give a proper acceptance speech.
Director Lee’s mumbling was so bad that actor Kim Donghu had to translate it on the spot.
Maybe that’s why the award ceremony ended on such a cheerful note.
“With that, the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival concludes. Thank you to everyone who participated.”
The festival wrapped up with a neat goodbye.
As people started to disperse for after-parties one by one…
“Donghu! Congratulations!”
Director Kang Sang-hun rushed over to actor Kim Donghu.
“Thank you. I’ll work hard to be an actor deserving of this award.”
“Oh come on! Just speak nicely! I was about to contact you, and look who I ran into here.”
“Huh?”
“We need to prepare for the Endless Fronts premiere, right?”
Oh wow, has it already been that long?
Kim Donghu nodded.
“By the way, since Hero has done so well, our project might get a boost too.”
You see, when an actor does well, all related works tend to benefit from it.
“…I see.”
Wait a minute,
Could it be that the rating for “Endless Fronts” might go up?
Just how successful could it get?
In that moment, he suddenly became curious about the performance of “Endless Fronts.”
+++++
That evening, after the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival ended.
Unlike Director Lee Seong-deok, who was crying and enjoying the after-party…
“First-ever 4-time winner at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, what kind of movie is ‘Hero’ anyway?”
“Kim Donghu achieves 4 awards right from his short film festival debut! He’s unstoppable!”
“A performance beyond dimensions, dominating the screen. Who is this actor? An in-depth analysis of Kim Donghu!”
The internet was going wild.