Held as the closing event of the local government-organized Taipei Film Festival, the awards took on a special note as they were the first large-scale industry gathering staged nonvirtually in Taiwan since coronavirus was first reported in the Chinese City of Wuhan late last year.
“Detention,” a high-school set horror-thriller taking place during Taiwan’s martial law era, won best narrative feature and top prize money of NT$1 million (US$33,885). The John Hsu-directed film—a Taiwan box office heavyweight champion of 2019—also claimed best actress for Gingle Wang, as well best art design, best sound design and best visual effects.
“We Are Champions,” an inspirational basketball movie, was another top-shelf performer. It picked up best director for Chung Jung-chi, as well as best cinematography and outstanding artistic contribution.
Other major category winners included “Grand Adventure Railroad” for best animation; “The Good Daughter,” best documentary; “The Gangs, the Oscars and the Walking Dead,” best makeup and costume design, as well as best screenplay; and “In This Land We’re Briefly Ghosts,” best short film.
Individual accolades went to Mo Tzu-yi, best actor for “Dear Tenant;” Li Ying-chuan, best supporting actor, “Synapses;” Yao Yi-ti, best supporting actress, “The Gangs, the Oscars and the Walking Dead;” and Li Li-rong, best new talent, “See You, Sir.”
According to Lee, this year’s TFA field is particularly praiseworthy and testament to the rich vein of creativity coursing through Taiwan’s free and democratic society. The Ministry of Culture will leave no stone unturned in promoting the country’s cinematic offerings on the international stage while supporting the development of homegrown filmmakers, he said.
TFA commenced in 1988 as a standalone event before taking on its present form six years later. The MOC-backed awards are among the most highly coveted in the country. (TYT-E)
