On September 29, 2023, Silver Screen Dreams was screened in Munich, Germany, and some audience members were moved to tears, while others said that the film conveys to human beings a code of life that enables them to live together sensibly.
One viewer said: “From the perspective of human nature, morality, and exploring the true meaning of life, the movie gave me great inspiration and made me understand about the true meaning of life, and made me understand that selfishness and recklessness in selling out for fame and fortune are harmful to oneself beyond the material surface of the body.”
The plot of ‘Silver Screen Dreams’
Silver Screen Dreams describes the difficult journey of two actors trying to become good actors in the movie and television industry in mainland China under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The main character, Lin Meiyue, has been physically and mentally traumatized in the film and television industry and has been living in pain for an entire decade.
Later, after reading the book Zhuan Falun, she realized the meaning of life and has been transformed since then, even forgiving the people who once hurt her. This drastic physical and mental change has touched her family, friends, employees, and even former enemies.
Audience feedback
After the screening in Munich, Germany, the two lead actresses, Feng Xiaoya and Zheng Xuefei appeared to meet the audience, and the scene erupted into applause several times.
In addition to the actors’ own experiences, the most frequently asked questions from the audience were: Are the things stated in the movie accurate? Why did the CCP persecute you?
Some audience members were curious about the cultivation book mentioned in the movie, which could significantly change people. Some audience members asked to buy the book on cultivation that appeared in the movie.
Personal reflections of audience members
Feng Xiaoya introduced herself as having a similar experience to the heroine, having had Hepatitis B as a child, and the doctor diagnosed that she might not live past the age of 20. Later, she read the book Zhuan Falun and was cured physically and mentally after practicing. Throughout the movie, she also feels that the power of goodness is immense.
Karl Russwurm, president of the Richard Wagoner Society, a friend of the Munich Opera, and his wife said: “Very much enjoyed the film itself, which was professionally produced.” “It was a culture shock for us [to watch Silver Screen Dreams].” “We found it to be more like meditative music, harmonious, balanced, and soothing. After all, in the areas we’re used to, from rock to contemporary music and opera, it’s always intense, and here it’s the opposite.”
The central message of ‘Silver Screen Dreams’
Mr. Benedikt Flexeder from Freising, near Munich, is the local president of the local CSU and a candidate for state parliament. He said: “The fact that the long arm of the Communist Party reaches out to young people in every corner, to young actresses, (who) once they leave China, can never go back, is bad. (Because of their beliefs) they can never go back to China, to the arms of their loved ones. It’s a terrible and unthinkable situation.”
Flaxander also grasps the central message of the movie, “which is the theme of the movie, which is kindness, trust, and reason, which are the core elements for people to live together rationally.” He feels that if everyone acts according to the code of “truth, kindness, and tolerance,” “if everyone can talk rationally, they can live rationally together. Especially if people respect each other, our society will certainly be more peaceful and free, and we will all get along better in many ways.”
Mr. Mike Bayerstadler is a photographer and also works for Bavaria Film as a producer. His companion, Ms. Anja Karg, is a corporate consultant. The two remained seated in the theater long after the film ended.
“I think the movie was extraordinary and very moving. It reveals the truth. I was fascinated by the movie, and I would recommend it.” Bayastad said that he knows the movie industry: “I’m a producer, and I have to say that I was very moved and thought it was wonderful. Many thanks to them for their sacrifice.”
Worldwide distribution of ‘Silver Screen Dreams’
Silver Screen Dreams has made a similar splash with performances in Southeast Asia. One of them was a two-day staging in Malaysia in early October. According to online news and market feedback, tickets went on sale on September 25, and all tickets were sold out on September 28, and additional shows were requested at the audience’s request.
