Ko Chen-Tung Gains 10 Kilograms for Role, New Film Shortlisted for Taipei Film Festival New Director Competition
The Taipei Film Festival announced its "International New Director Competition" shortlist, including "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish" starring Ko Chen-Tung. Ko Chen-Tung gained 10 kilograms for the role, and his performance has been highly praised.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 20:43
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 21:02 (18 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 04:56 (7h 54m after Collected)
Central News
(Central News Agency reporter Hung Su-hung, Taipei, 12th) The Taipei Film Festival today announced the shortlist for its "International New Director Competition," including "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish," co-directed by Chou Chu-Hung and Hu Chin-Yen and starring Ko Chen-Tung. Ko Chen-Tung gained 10 kilograms for this role, and his acting was praised for its depth.
The Taipei Film Festival announced in a press release the 10 films shortlisted for the "International New Director Competition." "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish" will compete for the grand prize with strong contenders from Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Argentina.
The Taiwanese representative work, "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish," co-directed by Chou Chu-Hung and Hu Chin-Yen, tells the story of a down-and-out Taiwanese youth and a Macau grandmother and grandchild who engage in a con in the old city.
The film received wide acclaim after its premiere at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy. The cast includes Taipei Film Festival Best Actor Ko Chen-Tung, Golden Horse Award Best Supporting Actress King Yen-Ling, and child star Mei Ching-Yen. Ko Chen-Tung gained 10 kilograms for the role and was praised for delivering the most nuanced performance of his career.
The other 9 shortlisted films come from around the world, including "Rush, Rush, Rush," "Flare-Up," "The People Who Came in Midsummer," "Blue Heron Boy," "The Little Train Dream," "Your Name Flowed Through Me," "One Night and Three Summers," "Your Enemy Is Not Your Enemy," and "Crazy Invisible Rich Woman."
The 28th Taipei Film Festival will be held from June 26 to July 11, 2026, at Taipei Zhongshan Hall, SPOT Huashan Cinema, and Eslite Art House in Taipei City. The film festival's lineup and activities will be announced successively, and the shortlist for the "Taipei Film Awards" and external competitions is expected to be announced on May 15. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150512
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(Central News Agency reporter Hung Su-hung, Taipei, 12th) The Taipei Film Festival today announced the shortlist for its "International New Director Competition," including "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish," co-directed by Chou Chu-Hung and Hu Chin-Yen and starring Ko Chen-Tung. Ko Chen-Tung gained 10 kilograms for this role, and his acting was praised for its depth.
The Taipei Film Festival announced in a press release the 10 films shortlisted for the "International New Director Competition." "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish" will compete for the grand prize with strong contenders from Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Argentina.
The Taiwanese representative work, "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish," co-directed by Chou Chu-Hung and Hu Chin-Yen, tells the story of a down-and-out Taiwanese youth and a Macau grandmother and grandchild who engage in a con in the old city.
The film received wide acclaim after its premiere at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy. The cast includes Taipei Film Festival Best Actor Ko Chen-Tung, Golden Horse Award Best Supporting Actress King Yen-Ling, and child star Mei Ching-Yen. Ko Chen-Tung gained 10 kilograms for the role and was praised for delivering the most nuanced performance of his career.
The other 9 shortlisted films come from around the world, including "Rush, Rush, Rush," "Flare-Up," "The People Who Came in Midsummer," "Blue Heron Boy," "The Little Train Dream," "Your Name Flowed Through Me," "One Night and Three Summers," "Your Enemy Is Not Your Enemy," and "Crazy Invisible Rich Woman."
The 28th Taipei Film Festival will be held from June 26 to July 11, 2026, at Taipei Zhongshan Hall, SPOT Huashan Cinema, and Eslite Art House in Taipei City. The film festival's lineup and activities will be announced successively, and the shortlist for the "Taipei Film Awards" and external competitions is expected to be announced on May 15. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, pictures, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.