Celebrating Chinese-language films, the Golden Horse and Golden Rooster awards reveal the stark contrast between mainland China’s state-controlled cinema and Taiwan’s independent film industry.
The Golden Horse and Golden Rooster awards, two prestigious ceremonies celebrating Chinese-language films, may seem similar on the surface. However, a closer examination reveals a stark contrast between them. The Golden Rooster awards, held in Xiamen, China, showcase mainland Chinese films approved by Communist Party censors, while the Golden Horse awards, held in Taipei, Taiwan, feature films from various regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. The divergence reflects the ideological control exerted by the Communist Party over China’s film industry and the celebration of cinema as a tool for free expression in Taiwan.
The Communist Party’s Control over Chinese Cinema
The Communist Party sees film as an ideological tool and has tightened its control over China’s movie industry. Films must eulogize the party, the motherland, and the people, presenting a trustworthy and respectable image of China. The party desires movies that align with Xi Jinping Thought, promoting cultural self-confidence. Big-budget blockbusters with special effects, handsome heroes, and nationalism dominate the Golden Rooster awards.
Taiwan’s Celebration of Independent Cinema
The Golden Horse awards, often referred to as the “Chinese Oscars,” celebrate cinema as a tool for free expression. Independent Chinese filmmakers find refuge in this event, as it does not require adherence to the demands of Chinese censors. The festival showcases thoughtful art-house films with social criticism, attracting submissions from various regions. However, tensions between China and Taiwan led to a ban on mainland movies competing in the Golden Horse awards.
The Battle for Prestige
China’s film administration has made efforts to persuade filmmakers that the Golden Rooster awards are more prestigious. However, these efforts have not been successful, as the Golden Horse awards continue to attract a larger number of submissions. Only 179 films entered the Golden Rooster awards this year, compared to 552 submissions for the Golden Horse awards. Mainland films remain welcome at the Golden Horse awards, as long as the film’s cast and language are predominantly Chinese.
Independent Filmmaking Challenges in China
Independent filmmakers in China face numerous obstacles due to the country’s strict film regulations. In 2016, a new law required all films, regardless of distribution plans, to obtain permits. Anyone involved in producing a film without a permit could face fines and industry bans. This has made it difficult for independent filmmakers to find actors, crew, and financial backing. Many top actors, directors, and producers choose self-censorship to ensure their work gets a nationwide release.
The Golden Horse Nominees: A Beacon of Creative Freedom
The Golden Horse awards continue to celebrate creative freedom, showcasing films that tackle sensitive topics and push boundaries. Nominees include films from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions, such as a drama about student suicides, a thriller about the SARS outbreak, and a co-production about the Malaysian riots of 1969. While these films may not be released in China, they embody the spirit of artistic expression that the Golden Horse awards represent.
Conclusion:
The contrasting paths of Chinese cinema are evident in the Golden Horse and Golden Rooster awards. While the Communist Party seeks to control and promote films that align with its ideology, Taiwan celebrates independent cinema as a platform for free expression. The Golden Horse awards serve as a beacon of creative freedom, showcasing films that tackle sensitive issues and push boundaries. As the political divide persists, films continue to break through identity barriers, offering a glimpse of a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.
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