21 Sep – Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To has announced his retirement from the position of jury president of the upcoming Golden Horse Awards. As reported on Mingpao, the director, who was announced this year's jury president back in June amid the political tension between China and Taiwan, decided to withdraw his position due to what was described as "contract limitation with film investors". To also expressed his deepest regrets for his failure to continue his participation.
His role will be replaced by Taiwanese director Wang Toon, who is also accepting the Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Award this year. It is noted that To's resignation came a month after China announced that it is banning mainland films and actors from attending the said awards, due to the political conflict between the central government and the Taiwanese independence movement. The upcoming 56th Golden Horse Awards will be held on 23 November 2019. (Photo source: Calvin Sit | Time Out)