The first Ice and Snow Festival seemed a bit chaotic, likely because it was the first time organizing such a large-scale event.
Moreover, the presence of foreign guests elevated the significance of this festival, even giving it a diplomatic touch.
Never underestimate the influence of a renowned Hollywood director. For China, which was actively integrating into the world, a prominent Hollywood director from across the Pacific carried great significance.
After all, Gilbert was now a representative of Hollywood, boasting a vast global fan base. His status and position were far from ordinary.
People might think he was still young, not yet thirty, but that didn't mean his influence should be overlooked.
More importantly, judging from his actions, his stance appeared to be pro-China, making his presence even more meaningful.
From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, due to the sudden collapse of a certain northern power, this land had no choice but to actively integrate into the world dominated by the West.
There was no other way—it simply wasn't the right time yet.
So, when word got out that Gilbert had agreed to attend the Ice and Snow Festival, it was no longer just a municipal affair. The provincial authorities, and even officials from the capital, got involved.
The presence of these high-ranking figures made the festival all the more prestigious, leaving the organizers sweating nervously.
By the time Gilbert arrived with Jennifer Connelly and Anne Hathaway, the venue was already packed with crowds gathered to welcome the new year.
Numerous media reporters had set up their cameras, ready to capture and report on the event.
As soon as they saw Gilbert appearing with two stunning Western actresses, the Chinese reporters swarmed in like sharks smelling blood, eager to get an interview.
Over the past few months, Gilbert had made quite a name for himself in China.
Anyone who wasn't living under a rock and paid even the slightest attention to newspapers or television would know that a certain Hollywood director named Gilbert Landrani had come to China to shoot a film.
Many people couldn't even figure out why this foreigner's name sounded so strange, let alone understand why he had chosen China as a filming location.
What was so special about this place?
Especially among those longing to emigrate, who desperately sought ways to move abroad—particularly to North America—Gilbert's decision to bring his crew to China completely shattered their worldview.
But these self-proclaimed intellectuals had a peculiar way of thinking. They quickly came up with an explanation that satisfied their own logic.
To them, this was proof of the high moral character of Westerners. Gilbert didn't look down on China's so-called "backwardness." Instead, he chose to come and film here, proving that he had the heart of a true gentleman.
Gilbert, of course, had no idea about these people's bizarre mental gymnastics. If he did, he would be utterly speechless.
Back when The Lord of the Rings was shot in China, even the national evening news had given it a dedicated segment, complete with footage and a full thirty-second report. That was recognition on a grand scale.
For Gilbert, this event carried significant meaning.
On a deeper level, he was one of the earliest Hollywood directors to enter the Chinese market. In the foreseeable future, China's film industry was bound to grow rapidly.
By building his fan base now, Gilbert would secure a strong position in the Chinese film market for years to come.
Though the revenue-sharing percentage in China was lower than in other foreign markets, as long as the box office earnings were high enough, the overall profits would still be considerable.
That was one of the reasons why Gilbert accepted the invitation to the Ice and Snow Festival's opening ceremony.
First, he was genuinely curious about the event.
Second, it was a strategic move to strengthen his brand and expand his influence.
Opening ceremonies were similar all over the world—they all included speeches from important officials.
The only difference was that, compared to North America, where such events had a more relaxed atmosphere, the presence of foreign guests here made the occasion feel more formal and serious.
First, a high-ranking official from the capital gave a speech.
Then, a provincial leader spoke.
Next, a city leader followed suit.
By the time they were all done, forty minutes had passed.
The audience and guests sat through forty minutes of dull speeches.
Anne Hathaway was clearly irritated. She complained, "Why do they talk so much? Do their speeches really have to be this long?"
Jennifer Connelly agreed. "It's the same everywhere. The politicians in Washington love to ramble on forever. But at least I don't understand Chinese. Poor Gilbert has to suffer through all of this."
Gilbert raised an eyebrow and said, "Consider yourselves lucky. I think today's speeches were actually rushed because of time constraints. Otherwise, they could have easily gone on for an hour and a half."
"I don't want to listen anymore. I'd rather admire your side profile," Jennifer Connelly said flirtatiously, making Anne Hathaway pout in jealousy.
As they chatted, the host on stage finally spoke up.
"Today, we are honored to welcome a very special guest. I believe many of you already know him and have watched his films.
Speed, Real Steel, Saving Private Ryan—all these movies were directed by him.
Let us welcome the internationally renowned Hollywood director, Gilbert Landrani!"
As the host finished speaking, the venue erupted in thunderous applause. If one listened carefully, it was clear that the enthusiasm had reached a whole new level.
In those days, it was still a rare sight for a foreigner to visit China, let alone someone like Gilbert, who had been filming in the country for over half a year. That was an even rarer occurrence.
However, most people had never seen Gilbert in person. So, when he took the stage, their curiosity was piqued.
And truth be told, he made a good impression. With a bit of facial hair adding a mature charm, his tall frame—over six feet—and well-maintained physique from regular workouts gave him a model-like presence. Even though beauty standards varied, Gilbert could certainly be considered handsome.
Some guests were puzzled—why would such a good-looking man choose to be a director instead of an actor? But there was no doubt about his identity. He was a well-known director in China, and many had seen his films in theaters. A quick visit to a video store in Harbin would show that Gilbert's movies were among the best-selling and most-rented titles.
Gilbert kept his words brief, introducing himself in Chinese:
"Hello, everyone. I am Gilbert Landrani, but most people just call me Gilbert.
I have always been fascinated by Chinese culture. I enjoy reading Chinese history and have even read the Four Great Classical Novels, with Romance of the Three Kingdoms being my favorite.
I can even cook a bit of Chinese food—mapo tofu, kung pao chicken—though I admit I don't make them very well.
I truly believe this is a remarkable land, filled with outstanding qualities—hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
So when I received the invitation to the Ice and Snow Festival to welcome the turn of the millennium together, I accepted without hesitation."
His speech was much shorter than those given by the officials earlier, lasting just over three minutes. He concluded with:
"I hope to serve as a bridge, fostering communication and collaboration between Hollywood and Chinese cinema.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I wish the Ice and Snow Festival continued success."
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Many guests had expected Gilbert to ramble for half an hour, but his concise, to-the-point speech was a refreshing change.
Afterward, Gilbert joined the high-ranking official from Beijing in breaking an ice sculpture, officially inaugurating the first Ice and Snow Festival.
Following the ceremony, Gilbert, Jennifer Connelly, and Anne Hathaway entered the festival's theme park, marveling at the intricate ice sculptures.
Although they had seen ice sculptures before, they had never encountered such a vast collection. Jennifer Connelly and Anne Hathaway were captivated, even joking that they wanted to stay in the ice castle forever.
"These ice sculptors are incredible! The figures they create are so lifelike—I absolutely love it!" Anne Hathaway exclaimed, hopping excitedly.
Suddenly, she pointed to an ice sculpture and called out to Gilbert, "Look! Doesn't this one look like you?"
"How does it look like me?"
"It just does! Especially the nose—it's exactly like yours!"
Gilbert shrugged and raised his camera. "Hold still—I'm taking a picture of you two."
By the time they had finished exploring, Gilbert had taken a substantial number of photos, which he planned to develop later and compile into a keepsake album.
From a technical standpoint, the festival's sculptures weren't necessarily superior to those he had seen in his previous life. The festival had been organized rather hastily, so some of the sculptures were less polished.
But for those experiencing them for the first time, they were nothing short of breathtaking. Visitors couldn't help but pause and admire them.
Gilbert knew that more ice sculptures were still being created, and the festival would only get livelier in the coming days.
An idea struck him, and he turned to his assistant, Anna. "Anna, call Selina and tell her that our art team should collaborate with the festival to create a series of The Lord of the Rings-themed ice sculptures."
Anna immediately took note and made the call to consult with art director Selina.
After their visit, Gilbert returned to his hotel to rest.
The next day, Selina led the art team in discussions with the festival organizers. Both sides hit it off instantly and quickly enlisted ice sculptors to work on an entire The Lord of the Rings ice sculpture exhibit.
These fantasy-inspired sculptures were a huge hit and served as a clever marketing push for the film.
Producer Charles Roven wasted no time seizing the opportunity. He had his assistant take professional photos of the ice sculptures and send them to North America, where they were posted on The Lord of the Rings' official website.
Upon seeing the pictures, North American fans were astonished.
The intricate, breathtaking ice sculptures left many in awe, and some fans eagerly inquired about their location. When they learned that the sculptures were in China, a few well-off fans even considered making the trip to see them in person.
Of course, such a journey was only feasible for a limited number of people.
Still, even if only a few international visitors attended, it helped boost the Ice and Snow Festival's global recognition.
But to the festival organizers, this was nothing new. With The Lord of the Rings crew staying in Harbin, almost every member of the production team had visited the festival at some point.
What was once a rare sight—foreigners attending the festival—had quickly become routine.
This was just a brief interlude.
After the New Year, Jennifer Connelly returned to North America, while Gilbert remained with the crew, diving back into the intense workload.
As filming took longer than expected, Gilbert discussed with Disney and Warner Bros. and ultimately decided to push the release date to July.
It made sense—by May, filming for The Lord of the Rings trilogy would finally be complete.
At the same time, Gilbert would also have to focus on the post-production of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring to ensure it was ready for release.
This placed an enormous workload on Gilbert. Even with his high energy levels, the coming months would be extremely exhausting.
But there was no other choice.
This was the path he had chosen, and he had to see it through.
After all, the only people who never feel tired are those resting in a coffin or an urn.
Although filming wasn't yet finished, Gilbert had already edited together several teaser trailers.
The Super Bowl would be a crucial marketing event.
The publicity team had arranged for a collaboration with the Super Bowl halftime show—Victoria's Secret models would walk a special Elven fashion runway to promote The Lord of the Rings.
Following this, Victoria's Secret's spring fashion show would also feature several Elven-themed runway events, which would be broadcast live on television.
As the new millennium began, Gilbert's directing career entered an entirely new phase.
It was time to set his sights on becoming the number-one filmmaker in Hollywood—and perhaps, the world.
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