Chinese-language cinema witnessed a significant moment at the 61st Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, as a film depicting the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic claimed top honors.
Despite political tensions between China and Taiwan, the event showcased an impressive array of entries from mainland China, reflecting the enduring spirit of artistic expression and freedom. Acclaimed director Lou Ye’s An Unfinished Film emerged as the evening’s standout, winning the coveted Best Picture and Best Director awards.
This milestone highlights the importance of platforms like Golden Horse, which continue to offer independent Chinese filmmakers a stage to voice diverse perspectives often overlooked or suppressed in their homeland.
Political Tensions and Artistic Expression
Since 2019, the Golden Horse Awards have faced a boycott by Chinese authorities, stemming from a controversy in 2018 when a Taiwanese director expressed support for the island’s independence during their acceptance speech.
China responded by prohibiting its filmmakers and stars from participating, creating a significant rift in the Chinese-language film industry. However, this year’s ceremony saw a remarkable increase in entries from mainland China—over 200 films—signaling a gradual easing of this unofficial ban.
The participation of these films is particularly noteworthy given China’s strict control over its entertainment industry. Many of the films submitted, including An Unfinished Film and Geng Jun’s Bel Ami, tackle themes considered sensitive or even taboo in China.
Read : Impossible for China to Become Our Motherland: Taiwan President
These films explore issues ranging from the government’s handling of the pandemic to LGBTQ+ rights, subjects that are often heavily censored in mainland media. The willingness of filmmakers to engage with such topics and seek recognition on an international stage underscores a desire for creative freedom that transcends political boundaries.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) emphasized the importance of the Golden Horse Awards as a platform for free expression. MAC spokesman Liang Wen-chieh noted that while many of these films may never be screened in China, their creators still seek opportunities to share their work with a wider audience.
Read : Biggest Challenge for Taiwan is to Face Powerful Rise of China: President Lai Ching-te
This sentiment was echoed by Taiwanese film critic Wonder Weng, who described the awards as a “benchmark” for Chinese-language cinema that remains open to all subjects and voices.
Lou Ye’s An Unfinished Film: A Work of Conscience
Lou Ye’s An Unfinished Film stands out not only for its artistic merit but also for its profound social and political commentary. Set during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan, the film follows a crew attempting to resume production amidst the chaos of the city’s lockdown. The docu-drama format blurs the line between fiction and reality, offering a raw and unfiltered portrayal of life under lockdown.
Lou, known for tackling controversial subjects such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and LGBTQ+ issues, once again challenges the status quo with An Unfinished Film.
In his acceptance speech, read by his wife Ma Yingli, Lou described the project as “the most special directing job” he had ever undertaken. The film captures the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of those living through the unprecedented crisis, providing a poignant reminder of the human cost of the pandemic.
Taiwanese critic Wonder Weng praised the film as a “work of conscience,” highlighting its role in preserving historical memory. By including images and narratives that are often banned or suppressed in China, Lou ensures that these stories are not forgotten.
The film serves as a powerful testament to the importance of independent cinema in documenting history and giving voice to those who are often silenced.
Recognition for Independent Voices
The success of An Unfinished Film and other Chinese entries at the Golden Horse Awards reflects a broader trend in Chinese-language cinema: the growing importance of independent voices.
Geng Jun’s Bel Ami, which won awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing, is another example of this trend. The film, a same-sex drama, tackles issues of identity and acceptance in a society where LGBTQ+ rights remain a contentious topic.
Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyong won the Best Actor award for his performance in Bel Ami, although he, like Lou Ye, did not attend the ceremony.
The absence of these key figures underscores the ongoing political tensions that continue to cast a shadow over the awards. However, their recognition at the Golden Horse Awards sends a powerful message about the resilience of independent filmmakers and the importance of platforms that support artistic freedom.
Hong Kong actress Chung Suet-ying’s win for Best Actress in The Way We Talk, a film about the deaf community, further highlights the diversity of stories being told in Chinese-language cinema. These films address a wide range of social issues, from the challenges faced by marginalized communities to the broader human experience during a global crisis.
Despite the political backdrop, the Golden Horse Awards remain a beacon of hope for filmmakers seeking to tell their stories without fear of censorship. The event’s commitment to artistic freedom and diversity ensures that voices from across the Chinese-speaking world can be heard, even when they challenge the status quo.
The Future of the Golden Horse Awards
The 61st Golden Horse Awards reaffirmed the importance of independent cinema in preserving cultural and historical narratives. As political tensions between China and Taiwan continue, the awards serve as a reminder of the power of art to transcend borders and foster dialogue. The increasing participation of Chinese filmmakers suggests a growing recognition of the value of platforms that support free expression.
For many filmmakers, the Golden Horse Awards represent more than just an opportunity for recognition—they offer a chance to share their stories with the world. In a time when censorship and political pressure threaten to stifle creativity, events like the Golden Horse Awards play a crucial role in ensuring that diverse voices continue to be heard.
Lou Ye’s An Unfinished Film and Geng Jun’s Bel Ami are powerful examples of the kind of storytelling that thrives in this environment. By tackling difficult subjects and challenging societal norms, these films push the boundaries of what is possible in Chinese-language cinema.
Their success at the Golden Horse Awards is a testament to the resilience and creativity of independent filmmakers, who continue to fight for the right to tell their stories.
As the Golden Horse Awards look to the future, they remain a vital platform for fostering artistic freedom and promoting dialogue. In an increasingly polarized world, the power of cinema to bridge divides and spark conversation has never been more important.
The success of An Unfinished Film and other independent films at this year’s awards is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of creativity and expression endures.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏