Film director at centre of Taiwan political storm stands by Golden Horse remarks
- Documentary maker Fu Yue ignited controversy on the mainland when she declared her hope for the island to be ‘regarded as an independent entity’
The pro-independence director at the centre of a storm over Taiwan’s political status has stood by her remarks at the Golden Horse film awards, while the island’s president also weighed in to show support.
Fu Yue ignited controversy when she declared her hope for Taiwan to be regarded as “independent” as she accepted the best documentary award at the ceremony on Saturday.
In a Facebook post the next day, she said she did not regret what she had done, even if it cost her work opportunities on the mainland. “I am willing to accept whatever consequence brought to my career in the future,” Fu said.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, meanwhile, voiced her support for the event and lashed out at a mainland actor’s use of “Taiwan, China” during the ceremony.
“We have never accepted the term ‘Taiwan, China’ and will never accept it. Taiwan is Taiwan,” Tsai said, also on Facebook. “I am proud of the Golden Horse Awards. It highlights how Taiwan stands apart from China, thanks to our freedom and diversity.”
Dubbed the “Chinese Oscars”, the awards are in their 55th year and bring together actors and directors from both sides of the strait to celebrate the Chinese-language film industry.