Chow, who sent a pre-recorded message from Hong Kong expressing thanks for the award, dedicated the film to Hong Kong’s people, saying he hoped it would bring them some comfort.
“I cried a lot when I produced this film; several times I comforted myself with this film, to express my anger, hatred, to face my fear and trauma,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
It was shown at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in a surprise addition to the line-up.
Since then, cinemas, universities and art galleries have canceled screenings or exhibitions of protest-related works.
The protesters have won broad support and sympathy in democratically ruled Taiwan.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, in 2019 blocked the country’s movie industry from participating in the Golden Horse Awards, which were founded in 1962 and take place annually in Taiwan.