Despite a funding controversy, this year's Taiwan's Golden Horse Film Festival and awards ceremony have received the green light to go ahead, according to George Chang, chairman of the event's executive committee.

A question mark hung over the future of the Golden Horse earlier this year following the cancellation of Taiwan's Government Information Office (GIO) funding. The decision was brought about by a group of legislators who were reportedly upset over the fact that political leaders were not allowed to speak at last year's ceremony.

The Golden Horse awards were first created in 1962 by GIO, which has since been a major source of funding for this significant event for Chinese-language films.

Chang said the funding issue has now been resolved as 'the event has secured the financial support of the local government and of private enterprises'.

'This year's event is set to be even bigger and more glamorous than ever,' he adds. About 80 international films are invited to take part in the various sections of the film festival, which is scheduled to run from 27 November to 12 December. All the films awarded best picture from the past 39 Golden Horse ceremonies will also be screened at the festival.

Past winners of the Golden Horse prizes for best director, best actor/actress and best supporting actor/actress will be invited to attend the 40th awards ceremony in the southern city of Tainan on 13 December.

The Special Jury Award for Lifetime Achievement will go to screen legend Yuan Congmei this year. The 100-year-old Yuan worked with Ruan Lingyu, the most famous star of Chinese silent film's era. He now resides in Taiwan.