Filmmakers warned of 'politicized' show

Filmmakers have been warned by their association to "think thoroughly" before taking part in the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards in November as it has "become more politicized."

The Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association asked member filmmakers to be careful about getting into "unnecessary troubles."

It sent a letter to 80 filmmaking companies yesterday, saying that the political situation has become tense and affected cultural exchanges between artists in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

It added some film awards ceremonies have been inevitably overshadowed by the tenser political situation.

"A number of Taiwanese directors or artists have repeatedly made comments that are unrelated to films, which has mixed politics into films and tainted the independent artistry of films," the association said.

"They have put the whole event into a dead-end street full of controversy."

Members should think thoroughly before signing up for the Golden Horse Awards this year, in order not to "bring disturbance to others and not get involved in unnecessary disputes."

But group chairman Crucindo Hung Cho-sing denied that the association was stopping members from taking part in the award.

Hung said the association "does not want members' businesses to be affected." Its members make 90 percent of Hong Kong films that are jointly produced with mainland filmmakers, he added.

Hung said the awards ceremonies in recent years contained many political elements, which may embarrass those taking part.

He added: "We cannot control what other people say on stage, so I worry if our members would feel embarrassed if they attend the ceremonies."

Tenky Tin Kai-man, actor and spokesman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, said the association has been sending a "gentle reminder" for at least two years.

He said filmmaking companies that keep close contact with the mainland have already thought this through, but he is worried that it may hinder Taiwanese filmmakers from cooperating with Hong Kong.

The awards' organizing committee replied to media inquiries yesterday, saying it has always upheld the spirit of fairness, openness and freedom to encourage outstanding films and filmmakers.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said the awards show is an international event that respects the freedom of film creation and is also the most indicative honor for the Chinese film industry.

"We hope that film culture will be respected and that the Mainland Affairs Council will always welcome outstanding films with open arms," it said.

Despite the Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association calling on its members not to take part in the Golden Horse Awards, few Hong Kong films have been nominated in the past three years.

Hong Kong film director Kiwi Chow Kwun-wai's documentary Revolution of Our Times - about the anti-fugitive protests in 2019 - won the best documentary trophy in last year's Golden Horse Awards.

Film director Johnnie To Kei-fung resigned as president of the award's judging panel in 2019 due to "the restrictions of contracts with film investors."

The list of nominees for the awards will be announced on September 27, while the ceremony will be held on November 19.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com