Taiwan calls for film awards to be scrapped after poor haul

Taiwan's failure to win more awards at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival has triggered debate on the island, including among lawmakers, about whether the half-century-old regional gala should be stopped.

Hong Kong and mainland films dominated the 49th annual awards show - considered the Chinese-language Oscars - on Saturday. Of the 23 awards, four went to Taiwan, including best new director and best actress.

Among the non-Taiwanese winners, Hong Kong's Johnnie To Kei-fung won best director for Life Without Principle, and Sean Lau Ching-wan was named best actor for his role in the same movie. The mainland's Liang Jing won best supporting actress for Design of Death, and mainland production Beijing Blues was awarded best picture.

Local media described it as the island's worst setback at the event in 20 years, and frustrated Taiwanese film lovers have lashed out at the panel of judges, questioning their fairness.

Taiwan's showing was so poor that some opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Progressive Party have called for the event to be scrapped.

"The original purpose of the Golden Horse Awards was to encourage development of the local film industry, but now the local film industry is losing its uniqueness," DPP lawmaker Kuan Bi-ling told the legislature.