Mr. Huang Chong Cheng from the Taiwan Fu Sheng Cultural and Educational Foundation, hosting the ceremony, explained that the Qi Foundation had extended invitations to six Mainland guests and to one American. He said, “They couldn’t come. Some day the wind will bring them over. We expect that day to come." And concluded his speech by saying, "We learn to meet difficulties with a smile. We can tell the winner that a great, virtuous person is never isolated, that he has many friends by his side."
Australian/Chinese woman writer Qijia Zhen, the founder of Qi foundation, was attired in most beautiful clothes for this formal occasion. She spoke with feeling, expressing her gratitude to all sponsors and supporters everywhere. Eighteen months of preparations and a search for the deserving candidate culminates in Linxing's nomination for his documentary, "Three Holes."
This is the third time for Qi foundation to give awards to special person in China .
Linxin documentary, “Three Holes.”
Linxin, the son of a miner’s family, had held his own painting exhibition and published poems. He borrowed a video camera in 2003 to start shooting the life of miners, while working as a bank employee. In his spare time he carried his heavy camera to record the life of his father’s generation.
His father together with 318 young people from Shanghai came to Shanxi to answer the call to build the great Northwest - to become miners. Now less than 20 survive. Most of them, with their bitter dreams, died in a dark, deep mine. With a heavy heart and a strong desire to do something for those unknown people, he presents the true pictures of miners.
Linxin documented two victims and 13 survivors. Their names, faces and dark memories made an imprint in the film and will be recorded in the history of mining. The survivors without much hope are still struggle for a better living condition. They are relegated to become humble, underprivileged persons at the bottom of society. Most of them died unnoticed by the world around them, disappearing like smoke. They are insignificant - only those who see the film will know they exist.
Linxin documented his father in this film. In the artist's words, "It is as though an earthquake had shaken my heart." He felt reborn into the humble milieu of a miner’s son. His fantasy for being a painter and a poet disappeared into his father's tomb.
Mr. Ah Mu, a former editor in chief living in Australia also spoke at the ceremony, stating, the award represents more than recognition for Linxin and his documentary; it represents the group of independent film producers who over the years have focused their cameras on grass-root movements and on the underprivileged -on those who experienced prejudice, being ignored, and are in a struggle for life. These documentaries record their happiness as well as sadness, their love and betrayal, sweet and bitter life, hopelessness and expectations.
Award winner Lin Xin said, ”Whether it is happiness or suffering, nothing will stop me from focusing my life-time's attention on this land of ours.”
Ah Mu told those present that the aim of the Qi Cultural Foundation is to keep a close watch on Chinese independent film producers.
What is Qi culture foundation?
Qi jia Zhen’s father died in 1998 (1912-1998). He was a railroad engineer and had studied in the U.S. prior to 1949. But his devotion to his country made him decline offers to relocate to Taiwan and other countries and made him stay on the Mainland. He wished to do something for this country. He was imprisoned for 15 years for wanting his daughter to study abroad. Once free, as a 70-year-old, he went to the U.S.A and worked at a hospital, saving his money for his daughter Qi Jia zhen to study abroad.
Qi Jia Zhen was able to study in Australia. When her father died he left some money for her and her four brothers. After discussing with them she decided to set up a foundation, in the hope of contributing something to promoting China’s progress and a better China.
The foundation's mission statement, "China is big, we are small, but we have one heart to do something to promote progress in China."
Jia Zhen commented to our reporter she didn’t expect this much “concern and blockade” from officials. She said firmly, “But I’m a dog, I will stick to my bone and never give up.”
Guest speakers' orations
Mr. Han Guang from Japan accepted the awards on behalf of the winners. He said humorously, "Lin Xin and I share many similarities. Both of us are miners’ sons, are independent film producers and both worked in a bank after graduation." The one difference - Han Guang studied in Japan and bought his own video camera while Lin Xin used a borrowed camera to do the filming. Mr. Han met Linxin once at a film festival in China.
Mr. Han said he fully understands Linxin's circumstances and difficulties - financially, politically and emotionally in shooting film, further commenting "a documentary plays an important role - it is like a family's photo album." He expressed his admiration for Linxin ‘s dedication to his films.
The last speaker, Mr .Wang Jianzhuang, has 32 years media work experience and spoke on behalf of renowned Taiwan writer Lung Yingtai.
Wang said the film "Three Holes" is a powerful documentary. He echoed Mss Qi's sentiments, that "China is big, we are small, but those who push China to progress are bigger than China." His oration was recognized by huge applause.
He concluded his speech by quoting his friend Lung Ying Tai's speech at Beijing University last month: "Regarding China on becoming a super power on the world stage, I want to see a great China, but I want to see a powerful China represented by its civilization. Judging one country great and powerful, or not, depends on how it treats minorities and immigrants .Otherwise, who cares about being a superpower? I don’t care. I care more about its civilization. I will observe. I care how such a country could tolerate its people with different ideas and opinions. That is what I care more about.
Wang added one sentence from Lung Yingtai’s 1986 speech at the end of the ceremony; “My dream for our future generation is to be able to speak freely and be free from fear - in any place, at any time. All our present efforts are to give hope to the next generations. Let them have freedom - free from fear."
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