Internationally Taiwanese cinema has achieved great acclaim. Of course Ang Lee (李安) ranks among the world's greatest film makers and the works of Hou Hsiao-hsien (侯孝賢) and Tsai Ming-liang (蔡明亮) have been successful at international film festivals.

Yet at the Taiwanese box office Taiwanese films barely trouble the accountants. Audiences turn their noses at local films instead preferring the latest comedy and action flicks from Hollywood.

Why is it that Taiwanese film has failed to appeal to local audiences? As mentioned above Taiwan has a several great auteurs that should have inspired a generation of new film makers. I certainly don't think it is because there is a lack of talent in Taiwan.

It seems that all too many Taiwanese films have a similar style. Tales of lost love and difficult relationships seem to be a constant theme. Love triangles and homosexual relationships provide some variation, but actually there is very little difference in the overall style of story telling.

These stories are often played out against the gritty urban reality of Taipei. This is sometimes contrasted with the natural beauty of Taiwan's mountains and east coast. Yet Taiwan is much more than either of these places.

Of course there are exceptions to the ideas mentioned above, but I think the generalization applies to much of what gets released. Directors tend to make films that appeal to international film festival judges yet cannot connect with the audiences of their native country. People should be interested in seeing films in their own language that relate to their own culture and experience.

Taiwan should look to Korea and the renaissance of their film industry; locally made films in Korea account for a majority of box office takings.

Directors in Taiwan need to take more risks. By continually sticking to a familiar formula film makers are not breaking box office records, so why not try something different? Taiwan has a rich and diverse cultural fabric which is not being represented on film. There is a plethora of stories wanting to be told.

A strong and successful local film industry can boost Taiwan's international profile. It is also something that can provide funds to encourage more people to take risks in their creative pursuits.