Tuesday, October 24, 2006

FILM FESTIVAL SHOWS 'NEVER SAY DIE' ATTITUDE OF TAIWANESE FILMMAKERS

Taipei, Oct. 23 (CNA) The increasing number and broader themes of films featured in the 2006 South Taiwan Film and Video Festival show Taiwanese filmmakers have a "never say die" attitude, an encouraging sign in Taiwan's film industry, a veteran Taiwanese director said Monday.

"The film entries this year are full of vibrance and diversity, which tells me this is a promising film festival and that these young men just refuse to say die to the awful environment in Taiwan's film industry," said Lee You-ning, a former director who serves as a festival juror.

The themes of the 10 films nominated for the category of best documentary range from Taiwanese history, environmental issues to the story of an Internet writer.

In addition, stories of sex workers, a college student facing graduation and a child who lost her father are some of the eight nominations for best film.

"The film festival was established to provide independent filmmakers with an additional outlet to present their work. Judging from the festival's increasing popularity, I'm glad to say we did just that," said the event's main organizer Huang Yu-shan, also a director.

The success of independent films in recent years has boosted young filmmakers' confidence, something not seen among Taiwanese directors before because of a long "down period" in Taiwan's film industry, which has been suffering since the mid-1980's, Huang added.

The South Taiwan Film and Video Festival, established in 2001, is devoted to showcasing new independent films. The 2006 event will be held from Nov. 3 - Dec. 9 in various central and southern cities.