A series of promotions marking the 50th anniversary of Taiwan’s Golden Horse Film Festival kicked off May 27 in Taipei City, with Hong Kong-born actress Maggie Cheung named 2013 ambassador for the event.
“The Golden Horse was the first prize I received in my acting career, which is why the event holds special meaning for me,” Cheung said. “I will certainly spare no effort in helping attract more attention to the festival and the Chinese-language film industry.”
Cheung made the remarks during a news conference attended by ROC Minister of Culture Lung Ying-tai, Taipei City Mayor Hau Long-bin and film industry heavyweights.
The actress will also collaborate on a promotional short with top Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-hsien, who doubles as chairman of this year’s event. In addition, she is set to feature in festival publicity events and materials.
Cheung, who is the most prolific winner of Golden Horse awards in the history of the event, collected best leading actress for “Full Moon in New York,” “Centre Stage,” “Comrades: Almost a Love Story,” and “In the Mood for Love,” as well as a best supporting actress award for “Red Dust.”
As part of the celebrations, the Golden Horse Award committee will publish a book featuring interviews with past winners and hold an exhibition of photographs, movie posters and archive materials.
Submissions for the Golden Horse Awards, project promotion and film academy will run July 1 to Aug. 6, with the two-week film festival scheduled to kick off Nov. 8. The award ceremony is set down for Nov. 23 at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei City.
Founded in 1962, the annual Golden Horse Awards are considered the Chinese-language Oscars and among the most coveted honors for filmmakers throughout the region. (RC-JSM)
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