Since the events of the 55th Golden Horse Awards in the Taiwan region in 2018, cross-strait film exchanges at this once-celebrated event have faced significant challenges. Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland’s Golden Rooster Awards, relocated to the coastal city of Xiamen in east China, have risen in prominence, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic excellence. This shift has led the Golden Horse Awards to focus more on films produced within the Taiwan region.
After a six-year hiatus, the 61st Golden Horse Awards last month saw a return of entries from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, giving an impression of renewed collaboration. However, a closer examination of the nominees and winners reveals complex dynamics underlying the event.
This year, mainland directors Lou Ye, Wang Xiaoshuai, and Geng Jun were prominent in the main award categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor. Notably, their nominated works had faced challenges with approvals in the mainland, highlighting intricate interactions between artistic expression and regulatory frameworks.
The inclusion of these films at the Golden Horse Awards raises questions about the role of film festivals in navigating cultural and regulatory landscapes. While the awards aim to celebrate cinematic achievements, the selection process and the prominence of certain films have sparked discussions among industry observers.
The Golden Horse Awards reported receiving 276 mainland film entries this year. However, the selection process, which reveals only the shortlisted nominees, has led to discussions about transparency and representation. For many viewers familiar with the breadth of Chinese-language cinema, the awards may not fully capture the richness and diversity of the industry.
As the film industries across the Chinese mainland, the Taiwan region, and Hong Kong SAR continue to evolve, events like the Golden Horse and Golden Rooster Awards play pivotal roles in shaping cinematic dialogues. The challenges and changes faced by these festivals reflect broader trends in cross-strait cultural exchanges and the global film landscape.
Reference(s):
Golden Horse Awards: From cinematic pinnacle to political pawn
cgtn.com
