Oscar-winning director Ang Lee said Nov. 10 that he looks forward to the ROC government enhancing Taiwan’s competitiveness in the movie industry as the nation does not lack talented and enthusiastic filmmakers.
“Taiwan films were more artistic in the past, but starting four or five years ago, a new generation of directors brought great energy and liveliness to their works, which tied in closely with the lives of audience members,” Lee said.
The government should listen carefully to what these filmmakers have to say, and provide appropriate support, he added. “You can’t make movies relying only on your passion.”
Lee made the comments at a meeting with Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei City.
Lung responded that the movie industry requires a robust industrial chain. The government is currently mapping out policies on the development of the movie, television and music industries, she said.
His purpose in producing “Life of Pi” in Taiwan, Lee said, was to bring Hollywood to the country to “help the local movie industry and young filmmakers learn from their U.S. counterparts, letting them see how large-scale movie productions are operated and presented.”
Lee noted that Taiwan gives visitors a sense of friendliness that is natural and pressure-free. “This characteristic made our movie crew, who came from many different countries, feel very much at home, facilitating the smooth completion of the film,” he said.
“I also hope more films can be shot here because Taiwan has everything, but people just don’t know about it,” Lee stressed, adding that he hopes “Life of Pi” will bring the world’s attention to Taiwan. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw