CRI听力:Ang Lee: Chinese Language Films Have Great Potential

The Golden Horse Awards anniversary is the Taiwanese equivalent of the Oscars, and Lee will be a juror selecting winners in 22 categories, ranging from Best Feature Film to Best Action Choreography.

Ang Lee was asked about Hollywood's relative indifference to the Golden Horse event, and if there is anything the organizer should change to raise its profile.

"We don't have to. The Chinese-speaking people is probably four times more than the English-speaking people. So I think, as long as we are influential in the Chinese speaking world, I think it will prevail--it will ripple out. I think, in 10 years time, maybe our market will be bigger than the Hollywood market, so it just comes naturally. I think it's important that we keep doing it; we sustain it and we believe in it. It will have the ups and downs, but eventually, I think, it will get picked up."

While the Golden Horse event is a staple for Asian film fans, with glitzy local television coverage and legions of screaming fans blanketing the award venue to get a close look at their favorite stars, it has little impact outside the region.

To help promote the event this year, the two-time Oscar-winning director will head the jury of the 2013 Golden Horse Awards.

However he says it is always a difficult job to judge a film:

"I think the hardest part is the pressure of making the decision. You make a film because it's something that cannot be described with just words--you need lights and effects. The aim is to create something that resonates with the audience. So, for judges to debate, and choose a "best film," that act itself is unreasonable. I feel a lot of pressure, especially with so many good films up for contention this year."

Mainland star Li Bingbing will also serve as a juror for this year's awards.

For her, the Gold Horse holds a certain level of importance:

"I say this with sincerity, even though I'm not from Taiwan: I've always paid a lot of attention to Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards. I think, out of all the awards ceremonies in Asia, the Golden Horse carries with it the most weight. It never compromises for any reason; it maintains its character and remains neutral. That's why so many people participate in the Golden Horse Awards."

Li also joked with a reporter when asked if she will be involved in judging the best actress category. Li said she will have to be fair otherwise she may lose her chances of working with the two Taiwan-born directors who are also on the panel.

This year's Golden Horse Awards will take place on Nov. 23 in Taipei.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.