A growing number of Chinese filmmakers are turning to Taiwan for a chance to showcase their work after facing increasing censorship in mainland China. The Golden Horse Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious film festival, has become a platform for Chinese films that deal with sensitive topics, such as LGBTQ+ relationships and dissent against the government. While Taiwan limits the number of Chinese films shown in theaters, award-winning films are often granted exceptions. However, Chinese authorities are pressuring filmmakers who participate in the festival and have imposed restrictions on screenings of films that touch on politically sensitive subjects.
When producer Wang Zijian was making the movie 'Bel Ami,' or “Beautiful Friends,” he knew it had no chance of airing in Chinese theaters. The black-and-white satire, set in a small, snowy Chinese town, details the intersecting lives of gay couples, a topic that faces strict censorship under China ’s authoritarian leaders. Wang thought it was unlikely to find welcome in Hong Kong either, as the Chinese Communist Party has been tightening control over the former British colony.
It also won for best director. Lou Ye was well aware of the punishments Chinese filmmakers could face if they defied the government, having been temporarily banned from working for broaching sensitive topics, such as LGBTQ+ communities and pro-democracy protests, and submitting his work to international festivals without authorization. But the recent awards won him a commercial release in Taiwan. It is unclear whether Lou faced repercussions for last year's winning submission.
Censorship Taiwan China Filmmakers Golden Horse Awards
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan reports ‘significant rise’ in suspected Chinese espionageChina launched a large military drill surrounding Taiwan to warn against independence. NBC News' Janis Mackey Frayer reports on the growing tensions.
Read more »
Pence Calls on Trump to Support Taiwan in Case of Chinese InvasionFormer U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged President-elect Donald Trump to reaffirm his commitment to Taiwan's defense against a potential Chinese attack. Pence warned that the loss of Taiwan would trigger a nuclear arms race and undermine U.S. security commitments globally. He also called for negotiations on a free trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S.
Read more »
Pence Calls on Trump to Reinforce Taiwan Support in Face of Chinese ThreatFormer U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urges President-elect Donald Trump to reaffirm America's commitment to Taiwan's defense should China invade. Pence warns of global instability and a potential nuclear arms race if Taiwan falls.
Read more »
Man who sailed from China to Taiwan in rubber dinghy indicted while Chinese jets surround islandA man who sailed across the Taiwan Strait from China in a rubber dinghy has been indicted for illegally entering the island, while an unusually large number of Chinese fighter jets flew through the area in an apparent show of force.
Read more »
Taiwan's Parliament Freezes Defense Budget Amid Rising Chinese PressureTaiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has passed the national budget after significant cuts, including a freeze on nearly 40 percent of the country's regular defense budget. This move comes amid increasing Chinese pressure on the island democracy and raises concerns about Taiwan's commitment to its own defense.
Read more »
Rubio Raises Concerns Over China's Actions Against Taiwan in First Call with Chinese LeadershipDuring his first call with Chinese leadership as President Donald Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio expressed concerns regarding China's 'coercive actions against Taiwan in the South China Sea'. This follows a pattern of Rubio's vocal criticism of China's global ambitions and economic leverage. The call also saw Rubio reaffirm the Trump administration's commitment to advancing U.S. interests and supporting Taiwan.
Read more »