TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kaohsiung Film Festival (高雄電影節) opens next Friday (Oct. 10) with international stars and acclaimed directors gathering for Taiwan's premier cinematic celebration. The 17-day festival runs through Sunday (Oct. 26) at the Kaohsiung Film Archive (高雄市電影館) and multiple venues across Taiwan's southern port city. Japanese actress Yoshioka Riho (吉岡里帆) headlines the opening with the premiere of "Kowloon Generic Romance" (九龍大眾浪漫).
Golden Horse-winning actor Anthony Wong Chau Sang (黃秋生) makes his festival debut with a masterclass following the screening of "Ebola Syndrome" (伊波拉病毒). Japanese director Yamashita Nobuhiro (山下敦弘) will showcase two films including "Linda Linda Linda" (琳達！琳達！4K修復) during a director's talk. Director Ugana Kenichi (宇賀那健一) presents "The Curse" (咒死你) as a closing film, accompanied by actress Yukino Kaizu (海津雪乃).
Taiwan's film industry takes center stage with director Shaun Su (蘇文聖) presenting "The Zoo: Ep. 1-2" (動物園：第1-2集) alongside fan engagement sessions. "Left-Handed Girl" (左撇子女孩), nominated for nine Golden Horse Awards, features directors Tsou Shih-ching (鄒時擎) and Ma Shih-yuan (馬士媛). Festival ambassador Patrick Shih (施柏宇) will host the opening ceremony, while director Kuo Cheng-chui (郭承衢) leads discussions for "Last Night in Taipei" (明日的過客).
The festival represents Taiwan's growing influence in regional cinema, showcasing both international collaborations and domestic productions. ◼