Filmmaker Johnnie To quits as Golden Horse awards jury president amid China boycott, watchlist threat

Hong Kong director cites contractual commitments for decision, awards organisers say, but it follows pressure to join a Chinese boycott of the event in Taiwan

Several Hong Kong production companies had already pulled out of the Golden Horse awards. Veteran Taiwanese filmmaker Wang Toon will take To’s place

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Johnnie To has withdrawn as jury president for this year’s Golden Horse Film Awards in Taiwan citing prior production commitments. The news follows China’s decision to boycott the awards and warning that Hong Kong film industry figures who took part in the awards would be placed on a watchlist. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 6:52pm, 19 Sep 2019Updated: 7:18pm, 19 Sep 2019

Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To Kei-fung has stepped down as president of this year’s Golden Horse Film Awards jury, citing contractual commitments.

His decision follows mainland China’s announcement its actors, directors and film producers would not enter or attend the awards, held in Taiwan, and subsequent warning, as reported by Taiwanese news website Line Today, that films entered in competition there would be banned from distribution in China and Hong Kong stars who attended the awards ceremony would be placed on a watchlist.

The Golden Horse awards, held annually, are considered the Oscars of Chinese-language film.

“Johnnie To has resigned as the Jury President for the 56th Golden Horse Awards, due to previously signed film production contractual obligations,” said a note posted on the Golden Horse Film Festival’s Facebook page. “To expresses his regret and apology for the inconvenience, while the [film festival’s] Executive Committee and chairman Ang Lee show their understanding and wish the best to him.”

Johnnie To is a three-time winner of the Golden Horse award for best director. Photo: Sam Tsang

To is a three-time winner of the best director prize at the Golden Horses, for The Mission, Breaking News and Life Without Principle.