Taiwanese films trumped stiff regional competition to take five awards, including Best Short Film and Best Movie Score, at the 54th Asia Pacific Film Festival Dec. 4 in Taipei City.
“The efforts of Taiwan’s filmmakers are first class,” ROC Vice Premier Sean Chen said during the event. “The government will provide necessary support to help the local movie industry become more international and continue to grow.”
Director Wen Chih-yi’s first-time effort “Sleeping with Her” won Best Short Film for its touching portrayal of the relationship between an Indonesian caregiver and a moody Taiwanese grandmother.
Best Movie Score went to Sandee Chan for her efforts in the blockbuster “Monga,” while Cheng Po-jen and Huang Mei-ching picked up Best Artistic Direction for the same film.
Japan’s Nagao Nakashima took Best Cinematography for his stunning camera work in the family drama “The Fourth Portrait,” by local director Chung Mong-hong.
The extensive career of Tu Duu-chih, a veteran Taiwanese sound effects engineer, was recognized with a Special Contributions in Film award.
Best Feature Film went to Indian production “Janala,” directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, while the late Yasmin Ahmad of Malaysia won Best Director for her last film “Muallaf,” a story about religion and the search for inner peace.
After winning the Outstanding Film Achievement award, Hong Kong’s Jackie Chan thanked his legion of fans and said movies serve as a bridge allowing people of various cultures and different parts of the world to realize their dreams.
Over 50 films from 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region competed in the event, including 11 Taiwan-based productions. Established in 1954, the APFF is the second-longest running international movie event following the Academy Awards. (JSM)