TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Singaporean director Nelicia Low (劉慧伶) thanked the people of Taiwan after she received an award at a film festival in the Czech Republic on Saturday (July 6).
At the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), Low was handed the Best Director Award for her first feature film "Pierce" (刺心切骨), per CNA. In her acceptance speech, Low expressed her gratitude to the Taiwanese for their appreciation and support of the film, acknowledging the help she received from many people in making the movie.
"Pierce," co-produced by Taiwan, Singapore, and Poland, was selected for the KVIFF's Crystal Globe Competition and was the only Mandarin-language film in this category. At the closing ceremony, the highest honor, the Crystal Globe was awarded to the U.K. film “A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things."
"Pierce" is centered around the sport of fencing, starring Tsao Yu-ning (曹佑寧), Liu Hsiu-fu (劉修甫), and Ding Ning (丁寧). The story revolves around fencing and explores the complex relationships and psychological struggles within a single-parent family between a mother and her sons and between brothers.

During her acceptance speech, Low thanked the film festival and acknowledged the contributions of “all the team members and actors from Taiwan.” She also expressed her gratitude to her parents, apologizing for being a rebellious daughter, and hoped they “don't have to worry about me so much from now on.”
She closed by saying the film is about her brother: "He may not understand this film, but brother, I love you. I will always take care of you, okay?"
In an interview with CNA after receiving the award, Low said that being nominated for the festival was already a great honor, and winning the Best Director Award still felt unbelievable.
Low expressed deep appreciation for the financial support received from various sources in Taiwan during filming, saying, “If the Taiwanese people didn't have such a great appreciation for films, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to make this film well.” She added, “It is because of the help from so many people that this film exists -- I am very grateful.”
Trailer for “Pierce”: