Several Norwegian initiatives encountered problems in China when a Chinese dissident was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. This also affected me, as I had optimistically traveled to the Middle Kingdom to help establish a film company there. Mission Madness is about what this led to for me, and I begin the book like this:
The astrologer who assigned my horoscope was a legend in southern China. He had been commissioned by the head of culture at a large TV station, who wanted to know if I was a suitable partner. Born in 1947, the year of the Fire Pig, I was deemed favorable. As a result, my proposal to showcase Norwegian films was accepted.
The head of culture took me to a VIP room in his favorite restaurant and ordered several bottles of strong rice liquor. We toasted the upcoming collaboration, and I drank until I passed out and fell off my chair. This incident only served to strengthen my position as a Norwegian initiator. In China, if the host serves liquor, you can offend him if you don’t get wasted. This tradition, originating from northern China, has become widespread throughout the People’s Republic. It grants respect and is something you should master if you want to achieve more in the country than simply learning to eat with chopsticks.
All was well until Torbjørn Jagland, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, awarded the Peace Prize to a Chinese human rights activist imprisoned for civil disobedience. This decision angered the Chinese, prompting the Minister of Culture in Beijing to personally intervene and ensure that my program series featuring Norwegian documentaries went nowhere. He did not trust astrology, and Norwegian projects were no longer wanted.
My assistant, Bai Hu, was deeply upset about losing face due to the actions of a foreign power. She had anticipated becoming famous as a presenter. Her first name, Hu, meaning tiger, aptly described her reaction. She was vindictive, and I needed to find a new project to avoid a very unpleasant situation.
Uncover the extraordinary challenges and adventures that await in Mission Madness! Check out this mini-novel here
One response to “Mission Madness: The Beginning of It All”
[…] the Prologue, I mention that liquor is often served in large quantities during business dealings in China. […]