Sep 25, 2007, 8:06 GMT
Taipei - Taiwan-born movie director Ang Lee on Tuesday donated the prize money he has received from Taiwan for his film Lust, Caution to develop Taiwan's film industry.
Lee, who was back in Taiwan for the premier of Lust, Caution on Monday, on Tuesday received the award from the Government Information Office (GIO) Minister Shieh Jhy-wey.
Shieh lauded Lee as 'the glory of Taiwan' and issued 10 million Taiwan dollars (300,000 US dollars) each to Lee and to his production company.
Lee said he could not accept the award because it was Taiwan's subsidy that has helped him survive and succeed all these years. He donated the 20 million Taiwan dollars (600,000 US dollars) to help young Taiwan directors.
Lee said he regretted the decline of Taiwan's film industry.
'I have seen the rise and fall of Taiwan's film industry. I hope GIO can find ways to revive our film industry,' he said at the award-presenting ceremony.
Lee, now a US citizen, was born in Taiwan. The GIO wants Lust, Caution to represent Taiwan in the 2008 Oscar competition for best foreign language film.
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