Following a calm welcome dinner, Gilbert took a day to rest before attending an arranged meeting with Shanghai's top officials.
Their main discussion centered on the Warner–Disney theme park project—construction progress, planned opening date, and so on.
They even visited the construction site together, accompanied by a TV crew from Shanghai Television who filmed the entire inspection and covered it in the evening news.
Unlike a TV interview, this kind of coverage actually adds value—it's related to the park project and its branding. If it gets on TV, all the better!
On the third day, the Shanghai International Film Festival officially opened. Gilbert, Scarlett, and Johnny Depp attended the opening ceremony as guests.
It was the first time a big-name Hollywood director and stars walked the Shanghai Film Festival red carpet, so fans were extremely enthusiastic.
Gilbert had many fans in China—usually only seen on newspapers, TV, or online. Now, seeing him in person exceeded all expectations.
Too bad there weren't smartphones with high-quality cameras around or they could have snapped beautiful red carpet photos.
Among the fans were Guo Fan and Liu Ji, standing on the left side of the red carpet.
When Gilbert and Scarlett walked out onto the carpet, Guo Fan and Liu Ji, like other fans, became emotional, waving support sticks and cheering loudly, hoping to get Gilbert's attention.
But Gilbert and Scarlett didn't stop to interact—they walked the carpet at a normal pace, then at the end accepted an interview from the main host of CCTV‑6.
"Welcome, Director Gilbert, and our beautiful Scarlett Johansson, to the Shanghai International Film Festival opening ceremony."
The host welcomed them warmly. "Would you like to greet the fans here and those watching on television?"
Gilbert nodded. Together with Scarlett, he waved, "Hello everyone, I'm Gilbert Landrani, and I'm a director."
"I'm Scarlett Johansson, and I'm an actress."
Gilbert speaking in Chinese was one thing—but Scarlett also spoke in Chinese! Gilbert had taught her that phrase yesterday, and she practiced for a month.
Though not fluent and her pronunciation peculiar, she at least didn't get it wrong.
The on-site fans erupted into cheers in response—welcoming Gilbert's arrival.
"How does it feel to be here at your first Shanghai International Film Festival?" the host asked.
Gilbert smiled: "Very nice—everyone is so warm and hospitable."
Scarlett said: "It's not my first time in China—I've come before. Things have changed so much!"
After answering a few questions, all formally scripted as planned, Gilbert and Scarlett signed their names on the signature wall and posed for media photos, then headed to the VIP lounge to rest briefly.
Inside, Mr. Han from China Film Group was already waiting.
"Hello, Director."
"Hello, Mr. Han..."
They shook hands. Mr. Han introduced Gilbert to several domestic directors and heads of film companies.
These were people Gilbert once looked up to; now they greeted him politely—and it was a moment tinged with nostalgia.
Gilbert remained courteous, neither overly enthusiastic nor overly aloof—just maintaining proper decorum.
However, the actors nearby were much more eager—everyone envied the luck of Shang Chang and Bingbing Li and hoped to be the next such breakout.
These actors weren't fools. They knew how difficult it was for a Chinese actor to break out in Hollywood.
That didn't mean they didn't yearn for it; Hollywood was the global center of cinema.
And even if they couldn't star in Hollywood films like Shang Chang or Bingbing Li, they could follow Bo Zhang's example—get a face spot and then leverage that prestige to boost domestic success.
In Chinese cinema, that kind of re-imported visibility could elevate their status immensely.
Sadly, Gilbert wasn't overly warm toward these actors—even a few familiar faces didn't jog his memory enough to recall names.
Frankly, Asian actors—in particular, Chinese actors—rarely appeared in his films. As a mainstream commercial director, that seemed taboo. Otherwise he would've helmed The Jackie Chan Adventures: Curse of the Talismans himself.
Unfortunately, the domestic market and distribution network still needed more development before Chinese actors could appear in Hollywood—limited, face-only appearances at best.
As for pushing local actors and the Chinese film industry worldwide? Gilbert admitted he couldn't do that. A nation's films can't conquer the world purely by themselves.
After greeting the jury, Gilbert entered the media area to be interviewed by reporters.
Red carpet interviews and media zone interviews were distinct segments.
Numerous media personnel were already waiting—once Gilbert entered, their flashbulbs never stopped, as if trying to freeze him in time.
"Director Gilbert..."
"Director Gilbert..."
Microphones were thrust forward as every reporter sought a chance for an interview. Thankfully, a press officer managed order. When Gilbert signaled, a female reporter was chosen.
She was thrilled. She asked, "Director Gilbert, do you plan to produce a film related to China in the future?"
Gilbert took a measured moment: "My schedule is full for the next few years, but that possibility isn't off the table."
The reporter beamed and pressed further: "Your Chinese is very fluent. May I ask where you learned it? Do you have a special interest in Chinese culture?"
"Of course," Gilbert raised his brow. "I minor in Chinese at university. I love classical works like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West."
A Hollywood director who understands Chinese and references those classics instantly won the media's favor.
But that didn't mean the journalists would go easy. A male reporter—not in entertainment—asked, "What is your view on the recent Iraq War and the events of September 11?"
Such questions, whether answered or not, were problematic.
Gilbert simply played dumb: "Sorry, my Chinese isn't that good..."
Before the reporter could ask a second time, he was promptly escorted out by the on-site press officer.
This was a foreign guest—you trying to stir trouble here? Which media outlet is this? Prepare for a thorough inspection—fire safety, hygiene checks, everything. Unbelievable!
After that male reporter was kicked out, the remaining reporters became much more restrained, and their questions were all proper and within bounds.
One of them asked an interesting question: "What do you think of the current Chinese film industry? Do you have any suggestions?"
Gilbert thought for a moment before answering: "I believe China's film industry is still in its early stages. It will require a long development process.
You can find more details in the upcoming panel discussions—I'll be speaking with Director Zhang, Director Chen, and others about various aspects of cinema."
This also served as a teaser for the upcoming lecture, helping draw attention.
Some things can't be said too bluntly. For a film market that's just stepping into commercialization, expecting rapid development based on just a few talented directors or a handful of outstanding films is unrealistic.
The film industry today has evolved into a complete industrial chain—upstream and downstream. Focusing only on filmmaking while ignoring the supporting systems is not a sustainable development path.
So patience is needed. How many years did it take Hollywood to fully surpass European cinema and become the world's film powerhouse?
Of course, if European cinema hadn't self-sabotaged with its New Wave movement, digging its own grave, Hollywood films wouldn't have overtaken it so easily.
After leaving the media area, Anna, who didn't understand Chinese, asked, "What did that reporter say to get kicked out?"
"Some politically sensitive questions," Gilbert answered casually, not paying much attention.
Film is film, yes—but it's never just film. It touches on many aspects, and sometimes, it becomes very sensitive.
Later, Johnny Depp also made his appearance on the red carpet. Captain Jack Sparrow had taken the world by storm this year. However, since the movie hadn't been released in China yet, Johnny Depp was still a stranger to most Chinese audiences.
Still, the crowd gave him a warm welcome—with cheers and applause no less enthusiastic than at the Oscars.
Johnny Depp was very pleased with the atmosphere. Once inside, he found Gilbert and said, "I didn't expect to have fans in a foreign country. I'm truly happy."
Gilbert really wanted to tell him that, compared to the rude Hollywood fans, Chinese fans' biggest strength is showing support. Even if they don't know you, they'll still cheer and give you face.
Like just now—clearly, they didn't recognize him, but still cheered out of respect.
But Gilbert thought about it and figured it wasn't a bad thing. Let Johnny Depp enjoy his little moment of narcissism.
This year's opening film for the Shanghai International Film Festival was none other than Gilbert's own Pirates of the Caribbean.
Originally, it was supposed to be Fun for Fun's Sake, starring John Lone and Coco Lee. But after watching it, the jury chairman remarked, "Isn't this just our own self-amusement? Even the foreign guests fell asleep watching it."
After further discussion, Pirates of the Caribbean was selected as the opening film, making this its official China premiere.
It must be said—the uncut version of Pirates of the Caribbean delivered a truly stunning experience for all the guests and fans present.
Such an exceptional opening film seemed to signal the resounding success of this year's Shanghai International Film Festival, and perhaps also hinted that the film itself would do well in the Chinese market.
After the opening ceremony, Gilbert participated in a few more events and watched several local Chinese films being screened.
And next—it was time for the lecture.