Taiwanese Film Secures Award at Far East Film Festival in Italy
"Day Off," an impressive feature film supported by the Ministry of Culture, has emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Mulberry Award for Best Screenplay at the 2023 Far East Film Festival, as confirmed by the MOC on April 30.
Helmed by renowned Taiwanese director Fu Tien-yu and featuring the talented local actress Lu Hsiao-fen, this cinematic masterpiece delves into the personal struggles of a hairstylist grappling with societal and generational shifts. Out of the 43 entries from 11 Asian countries and territories vying for recognition at the 25th edition of the festival held in Udine, Italy, "Day Off" was chosen as the standout creation.
During the award presentation ceremony, Fu expressed her elation at receiving such an esteemed honor. She further conveyed her belief that the film, partially inspired by her own upbringing in a salon akin to the one depicted, possesses the potential to bridge cultural and national divides.
Minister of Culture Shih Che conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Fu through the Taipei Representative Office in Italy. He emphasized that the ministry actively fosters initiatives like collaborative investment and funding mechanisms to bolster support for Taiwan's cultural content. Shih Che also affirmed the MOC's commitment to encourage global screenings and promotions of Taiwan's exceptional films and television programs.
Established in 1999, the Far East Film Festival has served as an influential platform for introducing Asian cinema to European audiences. With its annual occurrence, the festival continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing the vibrant cinematic creations originating from the region.
