Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival

台北金馬影展

The Golden Horse Awards, established in 1962 to promote Taiwanese film production and honor outstanding films and filmmakers, has evolved into the “Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.” It stands as Taiwan’s premier film event, encompassing the Golden Horse Award competition, Film Festival, Film Project Promotion, and Film Academy. While championing Chinese-language cinema, the Awards stimulate global creativity. The Film Festival introduces exceptional international films, encouraging cultural exchange. Film Project Promotion catalyzes collaborations between Chinese filmmakers and global professionals, and the Film Academy shapes young filmmakers’ visions through masterclasses. The festival continues to shape and elevate Taiwan’s film landscape.

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Taipei Film Festival

台北電影節

Established in 1998, the Taipei Film Festival(TFF) fosters strong ties with Asian independent filmmakers and film industries through diverse initiatives, including film competitions, screenings, activities, workshops, and collaborations. Serving as a dynamic platform, it connects filmmakers, the industry, and audiences while embracing innovation and adaptability. The “Taipei Film Awards,” a unique competition for Taiwanese filmmakers, offers an annual NT$1 million Grand Prize, attracting top local talents and promoting diverse themes and stylistic expressions. In 2005, the festival introduced the “International New Talent Competition,” Taiwan’s inaugural international competition focused on feature films, dedicated to showcasing emerging trends in global cinema and fostering cultural exchanges with contestants visiting Taiwan.

● Official Website

 

Kaohsiung Film Festival

高雄電影節

Founded in 2002, the Kaohsiung Film Festival (KFF) stands as a cornerstone in southern Taiwan’s cultural landscape. An annual October event, KFF is renowned for its diverse offerings, including feature films, shorts, VR (virtual reality), and cutting-edge new media experiences. Notable for its imaginative curation, KFF boldly embraces emerging technologies, distinguishing itself through the prestigious KFF International Short Film Competition and the captivating XR Dreamland program. As a cinematic powerhouse, KFF continues to captivate audiences, fostering a dynamic platform for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to engage with the latest in global cinema and immersive storytelling.

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Taiwan International Documentary Festival

台灣國際紀錄片影展

Established in 1998, the Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF), organized by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute in Taipei, boasts an enriching history. In addition to the main festival, TIDF tours its selection of films in Taiwan in alternate years.
The festival includes competitive programmes that accept submissions from around the world and invites professionals from home and abroad to serve as jurors. TIDF’s non-competitive programmes are curated by the festival’s team and have included important themes such as a retrospective of Ogawa Shinsuke’s works, Taiwanese avant-garde cinema from the 1960s, and documentaries about and made by Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. Each edition of TIDF screens approximately 130 films from around the world, along with various events like master classes, panel discussions, live performances, and exhibitions. The festival emphasizes networking opportunities through casual events, fostering connections among Asian and global filmmakers and festivals.

● Official Website

 

Women Make Waves Film Festival, Taiwan

台灣國際女性影展

Established in 1993, Women Make Waves Int’l Film Festival, Taiwan(WMWIFF) has been one of the major film festivals in Taiwan and has established itself as the biggest one dedicated to supporting female talents. It is also the longest running and largest issue-oriented film festival in Taiwan. WMWIFF aims to celebrate the achievements of outstanding female talents, to explore different aspects of female experiences, feminism, and beyond, and to promote equality and rights of all genders. By covering a wide range of genres, issues, and representations of gender, WMWIFF seeks to promote great cinematic arts by female talents and to advocate gender equality through films with feminist consciousness and various subjects. The festival invites submissions of feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, and experimental films that showcase innovative cinematic styles and forms. A distinctive criterion requires each submitted film to be directed by at least one female director, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to highlighting and empowering women in the world of filmmaking.

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Taichung International Animation Festival

台中國際動畫影展

Established in 2015, Taichung International Animation Festival (TIAF) is a vibrant showcase of animation talent in Taiwan. Held annually, TIAF brings together a diverse array of animated works, including shorts, features, and experimental projects. The festival aims to celebrate the art of animation, fostering cultural exchange and providing a platform for both local and international animators. With a focus on innovation and creativity, TIAF highlights the richness of animation as an artistic medium. The festival’s curated programs, industry events, and competitions contribute to the growth and recognition of the animation industry in Taichung and beyond. TIAF is a dynamic and inclusive event that appeals to animation enthusiasts, professionals, and the general public alike.

● Official Website

 

Kuandu International Animation Festival (KDIAF)

關渡國際動畫節

Kuandu International Animation Festival (KDIAF), a sole international campus film festival dedicated to animation, was founded when the Taipei National University of the Arts Animation Department was established in 2011. It has become a prominent global animation festival, hosting numerous international lectures, animation masterclasses, industry announcements, and forums. Since initiating its competition program in 2013, KDIAF has received 1300~3000 short film submissions from nearly a hundred countries, showcasing outstanding works recognized by esteemed festivals worldwide. Offering a total prize of 220,000 NTD (approximately 7,500 USD) in its Short Film Competition, KDIAF incentivizes Taiwanese filmmakers and attracts global talent. Collaborating with educational institutions, the animation industry, and technological pioneers, KDIAF actively supports and promotes local talents, providing valuable learning experiences for students and significant benefits for the local animation community.

● Official Website