Since Beijing launched a boycott of the Golden Horse Awards in 2018, China has not participated in the Taiwanese film awards.
However, this year, unlike in the past few years, multiple Chinese-themed films — featuring the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as women’s and labor issues — were nominated.
Despite difficulties, some Chinese filmmakers, actors and crews still visited Taiwan late last month to take part in the awards ceremony. On the Internet, many Chinese seem to believe that Taiwan is the only place that gives respect to Chinese-language films and cherishes film talent.
There is no right or wrong in art. To quote Taiwanese director Ang Lee (李安): “Art is art. I don’t want any politics to interfere with the Golden Horse Awards, and I hope that everyone will respect this and give respect to filmmakers as well.”
Looking back at China’s film and television creation over the past few years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has imposed constant restrictions.
The highly criticized 34th Golden Rooster Awards in China in 2021 serve as an example, and the sorrow that many Chinese expressed online was understandable.
All six films nominated that year for Best Feature Film except Sister (我的姐姐) were “tributes” to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP. Even the “little pink” CCP supporters asked: “Were they nominated to fill the vacancies because there were no good movies?”
The Golden Horse Awards, the Golden Rooster Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards recognize the creations of Chinese-language filmmakers. For example, at the 60th Golden Horse Awards this year, the slate of outstanding nominees caused much discussion on major Chinese Web sites.
Although Beijing has not yet lifted its boycott of the awards, I believe that more filmmakers from all sides will participate in the event next year.
When walking under the sun, people cast a shadow, but when they are not afraid of the shadow, their works shine.
Liy Wu is a journalist.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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