The 61st Golden Horse Awards delegation returned with great success, and the film Blooming Sisters premiered successfully in Taipei.
The visit to Taiwan for the 61st Golden Horse Awards, organized by the Superstar Arts Foundation, primarily comprised the film production team of Blooming Sisters. The delegation included director & lead cast May Liu, assistant producer and guest star Jason Chou(team leader), guest star Selina Han Limei, main supporting actress Kathy Gu Bi, musician and guest star Anna Xiong Honghui, guest star Lu Weiping, ensemble actress Ning Lihua (Nancy), and the film's supporters Zhang Zhimin (Jason), Zhou Xin Ya (Cindy), Wang Jianzheng, Luis, Hong Peiping, Peggy, and Xia Dekun (Ted)—a total of 12 members.
The 61st Golden Horse Awards were held at the Taipei Pop Music Center on November 23, 2024, attracting widespread attention from the film and television industry. This year, 718 works competed for awards, making the event not only an annual celebration of Chinese cinema but also a platform for filmmakers to pursue their dreams.
As Taiwan's film industry continues to grow, more outstanding works are entering the international stage, showcasing Taiwan's creativity and talent to a global audience.
This year's awards were highly competitive. Lou Ye's An Unfinished Film won the Best Feature Film award, with Lou Ye also receiving the Best Director award, affirming his exceptional creativity. The Best Documentary Award went to Liao Kefa's From Island to Island, highlighting the diversity and achievements of Taiwan's film industry. The awards ceremony was filled with enthusiasm, and host Liu Guanting's humor and wit energized the audience. The gathering of filmmakers to celebrate past achievements and envision future possibilities injected fresh vitality into Taiwanese cinema.
A memorable highlight of the awards trip was when Blooming Sisters director May Liu joined a group photo with internationally renowned director Ang Lee at the Golden Horse fare ware gala. This iconic moment became part of history. Ang Lee, a titan of the film industry, returned to Taiwan to support this year's Golden Horse Awards and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to the celebrated martial arts actress Cheng Peipei.
The film Blooming Sisters premiered successfully in Taipei on November 26, 2024, with strong support from the local Chamber of Commerce. The premiere attracted enthusiastic fans and attendees who resonated with the film's inspiring messages about female empowerment, emotions, and ideals. This display of positive energy is a vital element in contemporary cinema.
Before the premiere, the crew received guidance from Kang Kai, Chairman of the Taipei Film and Television Performing Arts Professional Trade Union and the China Federation of Performing Arts Unions, who praised the film. Clergy from various churches offered blessings and prayers, affirming the team's efforts and providing a sense of community and encouragement in their creative journey.
Under the guidance of tour leader Mr. Mark, the team visited notable sites in Taiwan, including Cihu and the Cihu Mausoleum (the resting place of former President Chiang Kai-shek), the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Sun Moon Lake, and the Shilin Night Market. Other highlights included Taipei 101, Shao Shuai Zen Garden (formerly the residence of Zhang Xueliang), the Hot Spring Museum, and the Taipei City Government and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. A visit to the Grand Hotel, known for its historical significance and high-quality dining, added to the memorable experience. The delegation also paid their respects at the cemetery of patriotic artist Teresa Teng, whose timeless songs continue to inspire generations.
