AFP: Taiwan may show China anniversary film -- but late: officials

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Taiwan may show China anniversary film -- but late: officials

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(AFP)–Sep 6, 2009


TAIPEI — Taiwan is likely to allow the screening of a Chinese filmcelebrating this year's 60th anniversary of the People's Republic --but not before next year, Taiwanese officials indicated on Sunday.

"TheFounding of the Republic" features actors such as martial arts starJackie Chan and Hong Kong hearthrob Andy Lau and depicts the bloodystruggles between Communists and Nationalists that led to Communistrule in 1949.

The film is part of an array of state-orchestrated commemorations in China marking the October 1 anniversary.

Taiwan,which forcibly resisted Communist rule, has yet to receive anapplication to screen the film and it will thus fall foul this year ofa quota allowing the screening of only 10 China-made films annually,officials said.

"As of now, we've not received an application forthe release of the film from the local distributor" -- UnitedInternational Pictures Taiwan -- said Frank Chen, head of the filmsection at the Government Information Office.

But another official with the same office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, played down the film's sensitivity.

"Taiwan already is a democracy. Have you ever heard in recent years of films being banned for ideological reasons?" he said.

TheNationalist (Kuomintang) government fled the mainland to Taiwan afterits troops led by Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by the ChineseCommunist forces of Mao Zedong in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Tiesbetween Taipei and Beijing have improved after President Ma Ying-jeoucame to power last year pledging to boost trade and allow in moreChinese tourists.