(Arthur POV)
The Moonlight Film Festival's opening ceremony begins with pomp and circumstance. The festival director, Herold Green, takes the stage, welcoming everyone present and introducing notable guests. He mentions rising human and elven filmmakers: Marco River from Empirica, Kai Suzuki from Japon, and others from South East Anatolia. Several elves from various kingdoms, including the Moonlight Kingdom itself, are also introduced.
I'm mentioned too, though like the others, I don't go on stage. The audience applauds politely at my introduction.
Then, Herold's voice rises with excitement. "Let's welcome one of our most notable guests at this festival, Caedan Aegis!"
I join in the applause as the old elf steps onto the stage. His eyes sweep across the audience before he begins speaking, his voice carrying easily through the hall.
"Over the years of being a film enthusiast, what I can only say is that the picture industry is changing very fast. Especially lately, with the film 'The Demonfather'."
At the mention of my film, I feel numerous gazes turn in my direction.
Caedan continues, "Not only was it in color, but it also introduced ingenious directing techniques. The way it captured intimate family moments juxtaposed with grand, sweeping scenes of power and conflict was truly revolutionary."
I feel Caedan's gaze settle on me as he says, "This incredible film that opened a new world in the picture industry, not only through colored pictures but through its storytelling, was not possible, of course, without the mastermind behind it. Arthur Morningstar deserves a heartfelt applause."
The crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause.
I maintain a modest smile as Caedan continues his speech, his words resonating through the hall.
"Arthur Morningstar is proof that the picture industry I hold so dear has a bright future. Like Arthur, other talented filmmakers are emerging, challenging our views of entertainment. Some might call their work gore, illicit, dirty, or gritty. Others might even call it evil. But to us who love entertainment pictures, we call it art."
He pauses, letting his words sink in. "The film 'The Demonfather' is one such example. It's gritty, it's illicit, it's cruel, and it's simply... art."
As Caedan keeps mentioning my name and work, I become acutely aware of the envious gazes directed my way. But I don't let it bother me. This is part of the game, after all.
Caedan wraps up his speech after a few more minutes. "Today, I am here simply to enjoy what the current generation of filmmakers is bringing. And I am expecting great things from you all." He bows to the crowd, met with enthusiastic applause.
I join in the clapping, feeling a mix of pride and anticipation. As the applause dies down, the festival officially begins with the opening film from a major elf studio.
The lights dim as "Thorny Flower" begins. It's a story about a shy young elf who falls for a beautiful but fierce elf girl, who's part of a gang. At first, he's put off by her rough demeanor, but as time passes, he finds himself drawn to her. The catch? She's already involved with the gang's big boss.
As their relationship develops, the big boss discovers their growing attachment and sends killers after them. They survive, seeking help from a powerful police officer who aids them in bringing down the gang leader, but only after a series of challenges.
Watching the film unfold, I can't help but smile inwardly. It's clear that "The Demonfather" has left its mark - the influence is unmistakable in certain scenes and themes. Despite being a comedy, the film handles its more serious moments with surprising depth.
As the credits roll, I join the audience in applause. For a commercial film, it's quite good. The cast and directors take the stage, bowing to the appreciative crowd.
***
A day after the non-competing films wrap up, the competing films kick off. The main theatre and smaller venues prioritize these entries, creating a buzz of excitement throughout the festival.
Finally, it's time for "Lord of the Rings" to premiere. As I make my way to the main theatre, I'm struck by the packed house - thousands of seats, all filled with curious festival-goers.
Snippets of conversation float around me:
"I wonder if the film will live up to expectations?"
"I don't know. But I hope it's bad. We don't need another demon film thriving like 'The Demonfather'."
"Don't be racist."
I ignore the harsh comments, focusing instead on the task at hand. As I take the stage, all eyes turn to me. I approach the microphone, suddenly aware of how unprepared I am.
"I can't say much as I didn't prepare any speech for this moment," I admit.
A soft chuckle ripples through the audience.
"But I do hope everyone will enjoy the film. That's all."
More laughter follows. I can almost hear their thoughts: 'Other filmmakers go on and on about how hard it was to produce their film, and that's all you have to say?'
As I settle into my seat, the theatre lights dim. The projector whirs to life, its beam hitting the projector screen.
My heart races as the opening credits begin. This is it - the moment of truth. Will "Lord of the Rings" live up to the hype? Will it surpass "The Demonfather"?
***
(Caedan Aegis POV)
Finally. One of the films I've been eagerly anticipating is about to begin.
I watch as Arthur steps onto the stage for his speech - or so I thought. But he barely says anything before leaving.
"Interesting kid," I mutter to myself.
Not that it matters whether Arthur gives an inspirational speech or not. What truly matters is the film he's brought to the table.
That's what I've been waiting for. The origin of the film, be it demon or otherwise, is irrelevant. What matters is whether it's good enough to redefine the entire picture industry.
'Will the ex-prince produce another film that matches or surpasses The Demonfather?' The thought lingers in my mind as the lights dim.
The introductions for "Hellfire Studios", "Lava Brothers", and "Love Pictures Entertainment" flash across the screen. As the film itself begins to roll, I'm immediately taken aback.
The scaling resolution is noticeably superior to "The Demonfather" and other recent colored films. It's a marked improvement in the viewing experience.
This alone proves that, at least in terms of camera and film technologies, the ex-prince Arthur is ahead of the curve.
As my mind processes the impressive scale resolution, an ethereal female voice fills the theater:
"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air."
The narration continues, describing the forging of the Great Rings. My interest piques as I watch the three elves don their rings. 'A ring? It seems to be quite important,' I note mentally.
The voice goes on, detailing the distribution of rings to dwarf-lords, men, and demons. Then comes the revelation of Sauron's deception and the forging of the One Ring.
As the scene shifts to a barren, hellish landscape dominated by a looming volcano, I find myself deeply impressed. The visuals are breathtaking, unlike anything I've seen before.
"In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged, in secret, a Master Ring, to control all others. And into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life.
One Ring to rule them all."
The theater falls silent as we watch the epic battle between the alliance of Men and Elves against Sauron's forces. I feel a chill run down my spine, completely engrossed in the unfolding drama.
"It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword."
The film and the elf's ethereal narration continue, drawing me deeper into the story. I watch, transfixed, as Isildur meets his fate, all for the sake of the ring.
"It seems that the ring is very much desired," I mutter under my breath, barely aware I'm speaking aloud. The power of the narrative has me in its grip.
"History became legend. Legend became myth."
As the opening sequence unfolds, I find myself utterly captivated. My role as a critic fades away; the notepad on my lap lies forgotten. In this moment, I'm not Caedan Aegis, the renowned elf critic.
Right now, I'm just a person enjoying a film, completely immersed in its world and story. "Lord of the Rings" has effectively transported me, and we're only at the beginning.