"Golden Horse Goes to Cannes" is set to make a significant impact at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the diverse and bold nature of Taiwan cinema. This collaboration with the festival's Marché du Film will showcase Taiwan's cinematic prowess, spanning genres like epic, romance, comedy, fantasy, and gender awareness.
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| 'Kung Fu' COURTESY OF GOLDEN HORSE GOES CANNES |
On May 16, five projects from Taiwan's leading filmmakers will be presented, selected by the Golden Horse organization, known for Taiwan's prestigious annual festival and awards ceremony. These projects aim to demonstrate the depth and talent of Taiwan's film market, which has consistently delivered outstanding work.
The upcoming showcase at Cannes will feature new works from renowned Taiwanese directors, including Chen Yu-hsun, Yang Ya-che, Huang Xi, Giddens Ko, and John Hsu. These films will star some of Taiwan's most prominent actors, including Sylvia Chang, a four-time winner of the Golden Horse best actress award, which is considered the highest accolade in Chinese-language cinema.
Despite the challenges faced by the film industry, such as competition from online streaming platforms and a decline in theater attendance, Chang emphasized the resilience and determination of the Taiwanese film community. She highlighted their ability to adapt and persevere, showcasing a unique spirit of tenacity.
Chang will be appearing in "Daughter’s Daughter," a family drama directed by Huang Xi, which is part of the "Golden Horse Goes to Cannes" lineup. Huang Xi, known for his film "Missing Johnny," has been recognized by the Golden Horse Awards in the past, adding anticipation for his latest work.
"Daughter’s Daughter," co-produced by Sylvia Chang and acclaimed director Hou Hsiao-hsien, delves into the life of a divorced, 60-something woman who reunites with one daughter she gave up for adoption, while also grappling with the decision regarding the embryo left behind by another daughter who has tragically passed away. The film's narrative resonates with women globally, portraying the unexpected challenges and continuous learning that life presents, regardless of age.
Kai Ko, a prominent figure in Taiwanese cinema, has garnered acclaim for his roles in films such as "You Are the Apple of My Eye" (2011) and his directorial debut with the thriller "Bad Education" (2022), solidifying his status as one of Taiwan's most popular filmmakers.
In his latest endeavor, Kai Ko collaborates once again with the prolific director and writer Giddens Ko, renowned for his work on "You Are the Apple of My Eye," which grossed $30 million globally, and his extensive literary contributions with 82 novels under his belt.
In Giddens Ko’s "Kung Fu," Ko portrays one of two struggling students whose fate takes a dramatic turn when they encounter a martial arts master, altering not only their own destinies but also that of their hometown. Reflecting on the Taiwanese film industry, Ko emphasizes the courage of local filmmakers to explore diverse themes and pursue ambitious projects despite the relatively modest market size.
Regarding the landscape of contemporary Taiwanese cinema, Ko expresses optimism about the increasing opportunities available to emerging filmmakers. He highlights the expanding range of platforms for showcasing cinematic works and the growing presence of international film festivals, which offer greater visibility and recognition for Taiwanese talent on a global scale.
Director John Hsu made a notable entry into the film industry with his 2019 drama "Detention," set against the backdrop of 1960s Taiwan's political and social unrest. The film earned Hsu the Golden Horse award for best new director, highlighting his talent and potential in the industry.
Hsu's upcoming dark comedy, "Dead Talents Society," will be showcased on May 16. The film features Chen Bo-lin, known for his role in the Cannes film "Blue Gate Crossing" (2002), as a teacher tasked with an unconventional group of students.
Chen expressed his excitement about collaborating with Hsu, noting their long standing friendship. His character, Makoto, is portrayed as a diligent and confident individual who has yet to achieve significant career success. However, through his kindness, persistence, and determination, Makoto aims to motivate his students to excel. Described as eccentric and humorous, Makoto's story challenges the audience to reconsider their perceptions of success and recognition.
Wu Kang-ren is set to star in director Yang's "The Chronicles of Libidoist," a film inspired by "The Little Mermaid" but with a reimagination of the central character as a boy.
Wu's role in this film follows his acclaimed performance in the surprise hit "Abang Adik" (2023) at the Malaysian international festival. His portrayal earned him the Best Actor award at the Golden Horse Awards last year, where he played one of two undocumented immigrant brothers navigating their lives in Malaysian society.
Wu expressed his attraction to working with Yang, known for his film "The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful," citing Yang's reputation for allowing actors the freedom to delve deep into their roles.
"He is unique and constantly observing everyone and communicating with the actors," Wu said of working with director Yang. "During filming, two of us were observing each other; this collaboration was very comfortable, with the rhythm and interaction like dancing. Moreover, the director gave us space, which was very comfortable, and allowed us to perform without any worries."
Chen's "A Foggy Tale," rounding out the Golden Horse Goes to Cannes lineup, is a tear-jerker set during Taiwan's infamous years of "White Terror" political and social repression. The film stars Caitlin Fang, another Golden Horse winner (for 2021's "American Girl"), as a young woman trying to raise funds to claim the remains of her brother.
"What attracted me to playing this role was how brave, trusting, loyal, and curious she was," Fang said of her character. "She knew little of the world beyond her home yet she was so determined to find her brother and bring him back home. I had never participated in a period piece before so I thought it would be really fascinating to be taken back in time."
