Press Release: Seattle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACTS:
Ms. Fen-man Wu, Tel: (415) 364-5602
Ms. Claire Hong, Tel: (832) 330-9596
Ms. Jennie Chuang, Tel: (415) 364-5604

THIRD ANNUAL TAIWAN FILM FESTIVAL AT UNIV OF WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 20-22, 2008

The Taiwan Film Festival (TFF) will showcase the best of the Republic of China's contemporary films. With a focus on "Youth and Redemption," the festival will return to the University of Washington (Seattle) from October 20-22.

With its unique and rich cultural heritage, Taiwan has produced such internationally recognized directors as, Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang. Most of the films selected will be making its US premiere at TFF, with five directors appearing in person. Viewers will be introduced to the next generation of great directors from Taiwan and have a chance to ask about their creative process.

Hosted by the East Asia Center and the China Studies Program at the University of Washington, it is presented by The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco. Admission is free and screenings are open to the public.

Live Performance

The festival begins Monday, October 20 with an opening reception and live musical performance from Enno Cheng. Besides starring in the first feature SUMMER'S TAIL, she is also a celebrated pop singer in Taiwan.

Feature Films

* Cheng Wen-Tang's SUMMER'S TAIL begins as a story of youthful passions, and evolves to focus on the transformative power of friendship. A selection at the 2007 Pusan Film Festival. Enno Cheng, also the director's daughter, is simply riveting to watch. Director present for Q&A.

* Winner of the Critic's Week Award in the 2007 Venice Film Festival, THE MOST DISTANT COURSE, interweaves the stories of three lost souls as they travel through Taiwan's beautiful Eastern shore in search of solace, which they find in the elevating power of sound and music. Director Lin Jin-Jie in person.

* The directing debut from actor Jay Chou (CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER), SECRET is a charming romance also starring Chou. It was an official selection of the 2008 San Francisco International Film Festival.

* The festival ends with THE WALL PASSER, a sci-fi love story.

Documentaries

* In ELEPHANT BOY AND ROBOGIRL, Lin Yu-Hsien focuses on two children suffering from tremendous physical handicaps yet determined to live life to the fullest. Director present.

* THE GANGSTER'S GOD looks at the secret lives of the men who partake in the "Scorching of Handan," allowing their bodies to be bombarded with bottle rockets during the Lantern Festival of Taidong. Reputed to be gangsters, these men are shrouded in mystery. Ho Chao-Ti's fascinating documentary brings us into their universe. She will be present for Q&A afterwards.

* FOR MORE SUN chronicles the efforts of a group of young Taiwanese engineers as they build a solar car to complete in the World Solar Challenge in Australia. Q&A with director Lee Jong-Wang's follows the film.