Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Mayor Hau Lung-bin attended the opening banquet of the 12th Taipei International Film Festival on June 25. He expressed his gratitude to movie fans for their strong support of good movies. He noted that through the effort of movie industry personnel, the film festival is experiencing subtle changes, with local films gradually taking over the center stage of the event. The 2010 Taipei International Film Festival spotlights the South American city of Rio de Janeiro. To recreate the atmosphere of the renowned samba parades, the organizers invited a live band and samba dancers to perform at the opening banquet. Film Festival Chairman Hou Hsiao-hsien remarked that the Taipei International Film Festival can be considered a “cradle” for Taiwanese films of today. Taipei City Government has worked hard over the years to promote the local movie industry, fulfilling many promises it made before. According to Hou, the strength of Taiwanese films resides in the freedom of expression and the diversity among different works. Compared to movies from China, local films still has the advantages and capability of keeping its leading position for years to come. Over 150 films from 50-plus nations around the world will be taking part in the 2010 Taipei International Film Festival. The two opening films this year are Elite Squad and Fourth Portrait.