“Love Is a Gun,” the debut film directed by Taiwan actor Lee Hong-chi, has won the Lion of the Future award at the recently concluded 80th Venice International Film Festival, the Ministry of Culture said Sept. 11.
The 81-minute drama, which depicts the struggle of an ex-convict desperately trying to get accepted back into society, is the first ever local production to win this prestigious award, the MOC said. Cultural Minister Shih Che extended his congratulations to the team for the historic feat and for showcasing Taiwan’s cinematic prowess to a wider global audience, it added.
According to the MOC, the film was initially nominated for the Film Critics’ Week at the annual festival. The honor represents global recognition of Taiwan’s burgeoning filmmakers, the ministry said, adding that it also shows the increasing strength of the local cultural and creative content sector on the international stage.
Equally impressive, “Snow in Midsummer,” a drama co-produced by Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore production companies and featuring Taiwan actress Wang Fang and actor Rexen Cheng, received the Cinema & Arts Award - Special Mention; “Over the Rainbow” produced by Taipei City-based Riverbed Theatre Company was selected as one of the Best of Venice Immersive; while Singing Chen, director of “The Man Who Couldn’t Leave” that won 2022’s Venice Immersive top prize, was chair of the competition’s jury this year, the MOC said. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw