2008 Taiwan Film Festival

新聞稿：台灣電影驚艷拉斯維加斯

2008-10-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

駐舊金山經濟文化處新聞組新聞稿

台灣電影驚艷拉斯維加斯

2008台灣電影節於10月25日下午5點在內華達州立大學拉斯維加斯分校巴利克博物館舉行開幕酒會，應邀致詞的貴賓有該校電影系主任Francisco Menendez，川流基金會董事長李華林，駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處處長陳經銓，並由駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂介紹台灣來的導演林靖傑、賀照緹、李中旺以及演員兼歌手鄭宜農(Enno)，音樂製作人葉宛青(KK)。蒞會嘉賓除內華達地區僑界人士、留學生外並有美國政學界重要人士，例如內州參議會少數黨領袖DinaTitus，內州參議員Barbara Cegavske及眾議員Shelley Berkley地區代表Roxane Unverrich等。

之後由鄭宜農及KK演唱3首創作歌曲，其中包括「夏天的尾巴」電影配樂「給親愛的你」，以及自創曲「家的方向」等，獲得現場來賓熱烈掌聲。翁主任宣布這次在本屆電影節從台灣訂作電影節巨幅海報，廣受歡迎，至此影展最後一站，特別邀請與會貴賓上來簽名留念，現場將近200名觀眾，蜂擁至台前，掀起另一波高潮。

酒會後放映「夏天的尾巴」劇情片及「夢想無限」紀錄片。「夏」劇播映後，由女主角Enno接受現場觀眾詢問提到「夏」劇全片以女性角度來說故事，是否有參與劇本的編寫，Enno表示原創劇本是她的構想以及她對人生的一些想法，難免反映出成長過程的經驗，像是劇中女主角的父親是缺席的，因為他的導演父親也是常常不在家。劇中女主角喜歡騎腳踏車在稻田中漫步，這也是她喜歡做的事情。另一位觀眾問到Enno喜歡當演員還是喜歡當歌手？Enno表示她很喜歡文字創作，但是她目前最樂於，也努力的是做為一個音樂創作者與表演者。

「夢」劇導演李中旺在播映後與觀眾討論到整個紀錄片跟拍的過程，歷時18個月，從台灣跟拍到澳洲。並聊到片中的台大教授雖然脾氣火爆，罵人不假思索，但是他以身作則、追求夢想的精神，才能在有限的經費下，夠吸引這些大學生，犧牲假期，利用課餘時間來完成一個艱辛的夢想。

本次台灣電影節首次到內華達州映演，得到廣大的迴響，10月26日將進行最後一天的放映，包括「拱樂社」、「炸神明」與「最遙遠的距離」，後2場並有導演於映後對談，精彩壓軸，喜歡台灣電影的民眾不要錯過。相關詳情可上本電影節網站http://2008tff.blogspot.com，新聞聯絡人：楊維綺，415-602-9295。

TFF Continues in University of Oregon Tonight

2008-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

The 2008TFF has toured through University of San Francisco, Stanford University and University of Washington so far. The films have been well-received this year. While the feature films packed the auditorium full with crowds, the documentary films sparked all kinds of curious questions from the audience.

The TFF will continue its tour to the campus of University of Oregon tonight. Beginning at 5:30 this afternoon, TFF at Eugene opens at Willamette Hall, Room 100with documentary "The Gangster's God". A reception will follow at 6:45 with live music performance in the Willamette Atrium and the screening of "Summer's Tail" at 8pm.

For a more detailed screening schedule for University of Oregon, please click here.

新聞稿更正

2008-10-21T00:18:00.000-07:00

謹更正本處10月10日新聞稿-「第三屆台灣電影節10月20日至22日華盛頓大學展映」，其中10月22日6:00pm「夢想無限」、7:45pm「穿牆人」二部影片隻放映地點應為華盛頓大學Physics-Astronomy Auditorium 102，敬請惠予報導更正。併檢附更正後之新聞稿如下。

謝謝並祝萬事如意!

駐舊金山新聞處　敬上
聯絡人：吳芬滿
電話：(415)672-6278

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第三屆台灣電影節10月20日至22日華盛頓大學展映

由川流基金會、亞洲協會及駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處主辦的「台灣電影節」，今年邁入第三屆，將於10月20日至22日巡迴至西雅圖華盛頓大學展映。本年電影節以「青春與救贖」為主題，放映足以展現中華民國社會文化面貌及當代台灣電影深度、廣度及生命力的劇情片與紀錄片。

去年甫在釜山影展及東京影展放映的影片「夏天的尾巴」導演鄭文堂、2007年威尼斯影展國際影評人週最佳影片「最遙遠的距離」導演林靖傑及「炸神明」導演賀照緹、「大象男孩與機器女孩」導演林育賢、「夢想無限」導演李中旺等將專程來美出席，與觀眾暢談拍片心得。

「夏天的尾巴」女主角鄭宜農及貝斯手葉宛青將於活動首日下午5時30分作現場音樂表演，演唱影片主題曲為活動揭開序幕。

負責籌劃電影節活動的駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂表示，今年台灣電影節最大的特色在於不僅延續前兩年以深獲國際矚目的台灣新銳導演近作為主軸，更主題式選擇放映近年在台灣甚受歡迎，以「青春與救贖」為拍攝題材的影片，讓觀眾透過導演的鏡頭，隨著音樂的流動，走遍台灣鄉鎮，探視青澀青春的美麗光影、傾聽城市人的心事獨白及邊緣靈魂的強悍意志。

翁主任希望透過電影的交流，向美國各界人士介紹台灣豐富多元的文化，也希望所有關心台灣電影的朋友踴躍參與電影節活動，和來自台灣的電影人面對面交流意見。

華盛頓大學20日將首先放映在搖滾樂律動中展現青春身影的「夏天的尾巴」、紀錄兩位身心障礙兒童奮鬥求生的動人故事「大象男孩與機器女孩」、以台灣民俗活動「炸寒單爺」為拍攝題材的影片「炸神明」；21日放映以聲音為絲線穿梭於三位主角個人思緒的浪漫電影「最遙遠的距離」、周杰倫首部執導作品「不能說的秘密」；22日續推出台大機械系鄭榮和教授帶領一群學生參加澳洲世界太陽能車賽實現夢想的紀錄片「夢想無限」及穿牆於現實與虛擬時空的青春詩意電影「穿牆人」等。

台灣電影節活動第一站於10月16日至17日在舊金山大學演出，接著巡迴史丹佛大學（17日至18日）、華盛頓大學（20日至22日）、奧勒岡大學（23日至25日）及拉斯維加斯內華達大學（24日至26日）。

所有活動皆免費入場，10月20日5:30pm開幕茶會及音樂表演，地點為華盛頓大學Kane Hall, Walker-Ames
Room。影片放映場次：20日6:45pm「夏天的尾巴」、8:30pm「大象男孩與機器女孩」、9:20pm「炸神明」；21日6:00pm「最遙遠的距離」、8:00pm「不能說的秘密」；22日6:00pm「夢想無限」、7:45pm「穿牆人」，10月20日至21日影片放映地點為華盛頓大學Sieg
Hall 134；10月22日則為Physics-Astronomy Auditorium 102。

詳細活動訊息請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com或駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處網站http://www.roc-taiwan.org/US/SFO/。

新聞稿：2008台灣電影節第二站在史丹佛大學演出受到熱烈好評

2008-10-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

2008台灣電影節第二站在史丹佛大學演出受到熱烈好評
影片展現台灣社會旺盛的生命力引起不斷的驚嘆和感動

繼10月17日在史丹佛大學播映周杰倫執導的「不可能的秘密」引起觀眾熱烈響應擠爆現場後，2008年台灣電影節18日再接再厲於同一場地連映林育賢導演的「大象男孩與機器女孩」和李中旺導演的「夢想無限」兩部紀錄片，以及林靖傑導演的劇情片「最遙遠的距離」。三部乍看之下主題大相逕庭的影片，卻都在三位台灣導演細膩的鏡頭下展現了台灣這塊土地蘊育出的旺盛生命力，為七百多名現場觀眾帶來共鳴與心靈的視聽饗宴。

首先放映的紀錄片「大象男孩與機器女孩」真實地呈現了罹患唇顎裂的男孩祥祥和有重度小兒麻痺症的女孩珊珊如何對抗病痛和生命拔河的感人故事。演映席間，觀眾不時對片中兩位孩子所展現的堅強樂觀發出驚嘆和感慨，更有人頻頻拭淚。這份感動，也在觀眾和林育賢導演的映後會談中延伸為對身心障礙幼兒處境的關懷與討論。導演林育賢表示，在臺灣，許多傳統家庭無法接受重病兒的誕生，身體不健全的初生兒被視為「上輩子有罪」或「老天對父母做錯事的懲罰」，這樣的社會壓力讓許多罹病幼兒成為被父母藏在家中的沉重秘密。林育賢導演希望透過這部影片打開此議題的能見度，不但讓社會大眾了解，也讓那些家庭能彼此看見，以鼓勵分享取代孤獨恐懼，而身心殘障的孩子們也能及早獲得治療與協助。

第二部參展的「夢想無限」，是由李中旺導演所拍攝的紀錄片。該片呈現了台大機械系鄭榮和教授不畏台灣學術界重理論而輕實踐的主流思想，堅持帶領一群有夢想也有實力的學生，從零開始，獨立製作完成名為「Formosun III」太陽能車並參加國際比賽的故事。Formosun, 意為for more sun (更多陽光)，同時也是台灣美麗之島「Formosa」的諧音，在目前原油枯竭，強調節能減碳的21世紀，「夢想無限」把「希望」、「教育」和「太陽能源」的議題巧妙結合，引人深思。李中旺導演表示，拍這部片是受到這群師生的精神鼓舞，希望更多人注意到他們的努力，也激勵當時對電影工業十分沮喪的自己。映後有觀眾表示，自己念史丹弗的兒子也曾經參加過澳洲的太陽能車比賽，但直到今天看完影片，他才深深體會到孩子當時經歷的辛苦磨練，因此十分感謝李導演。也有位女性觀眾表示這部紀錄片是她看過最好看的電影，「比劇情片還好看」，要回去推薦給自己的孩子。

最後晚間放映「最遙遠的距離」，為林靖傑導演的首部劇情片長片，主要描述失戀的錄音師、失落的上班族和瀕臨崩潰的精神科醫師三人彼此交錯地在同一個島嶼，透過聲音，尋找生命出口的故事。擠爆放映廳的觀眾們情緒隨著電影的節奏起伏，在座談會中也和林靖傑導演對「愛情」這個主題有十分深刻的對談。許多觀眾對於片名、故事發想、角色設定，和結局的隱喻提出了問題。林導演表示，「最遙遠的距離」曾經是多年前網路上熱門轉寄的一首詩，道出了大眾對愛情的感受，「我就在你面前，你卻不知道我愛你」。但這部電影除了純愛電影的包裝，放進了更多自己對生命的深刻感受，例如，以「聲音」和「距離」來做為詮釋「愛」的切入點。對此林導演說，「只要安靜、認真聆聽，我相信每個人都可以從中找到感動！」

結束了舊金山灣區的映演活動，台灣電影節將繼續向華盛頓州、奧瑞岡州及內華達州邁進，舊金山經文處新聞組翁桂堂主任將帶領五位導演、兩位音樂人和工作人員於十月二十日起連續一周分別在西雅圖、尤金及拉斯維加斯，和觀眾進行面對面的接觸。

Photos of TFF@Stanford

2008-10-19T20:23:00.001-07:00

2008/10/18 @ Cubberley Auditorium, Stanford University

Photos of TFF@USF

2008-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

2008/10/16 @ Fromm Hall, University of San Francisco

Photos of Press Conference

2008-10-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

2008/10/14 @ TECO-SF Conference Room

新聞稿：第三屆台灣電影節10月24日至26日拉斯維加斯內華達大學展映

2008-10-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

第三屆台灣電影節10月24日至26日拉斯維加斯內華達大學展映

由川流基金會、亞洲協會及駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處主辦的「台灣電影節」，今年邁入第三屆，將於10月24日至26日巡迴至拉斯維加斯內華達大學展映。本年電影節以「青春與救贖」為主題，放映足以展現中華民國社會文化面貌及當代台灣電影深度、廣度及生命力的劇情片與紀錄片。

去年甫在釜山影展及東京影展放映的影片「夏天的尾巴」女主角鄭宜農（Enno）隨片訪美，並將於25日週六下午5時與貝斯手葉宛青（KK）作現場表演，演唱影片主題曲，帶來一場音樂饗宴。

2007年威尼斯影展國際影評人週最佳影片「最遙遠的距離」導演林靖傑、「炸神明」導演賀照緹及「夢想無限」導演李中旺等專程來美出席，與觀眾暢談拍片心得。

負責籌劃電影節活動的駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂表示，今年台灣電影節最大的特色在於不僅延續前兩年以深獲國際矚目的台灣新銳導演近作為主軸，更主題式選擇放映近年在台灣甚受歡迎，以「青春與救贖」為拍攝題材的影片，讓觀眾透過導演的鏡頭，隨著音樂的流動，走遍台灣鄉鎮，探視青澀青春的美麗光影、傾聽城市人的心事獨白及邊緣靈魂的強悍意志。

翁主任希望透過電影的交流，向美國各界人士介紹台灣豐富多元的文化，也希望所有關心台灣電影的朋友踴躍參與電影節活動，和來自台灣的電影人面對面交流意見。

內華達大學24日將首先放映周杰倫首部執導作品「不能說的秘密」及紀錄兩位身心障礙兒童奮鬥求生的動人故事「大象男孩與機器女孩」；25日推出穿牆於現實與虛擬時空的青春詩意電影「穿牆人」、在搖滾樂律動中展現青春身影的「夏天的尾巴」及紀錄台大機械系鄭榮和教授帶領一群學生參加澳洲世界太陽能車賽實現夢想的影片「夢想無限」；26日放映紀錄台灣一段過往輝煌的歌仔戲歲月「拱樂社」、以台灣民俗活動「炸寒單爺」為拍攝題材的影片「炸神明」及以聲音為絲線穿梭於三位主角個人思緒的浪漫電影「最遙遠的距離」等。

台灣電影節活動第一站於10月16日至17日在舊金山大學演出，接著巡迴史丹佛大學（17日至18日）、華盛頓大學（20日至22日）、奧勒岡大學（23日至25日）及拉斯維加斯內華達大學（24日至26日）。

所有活動皆免費入場，10月25日5:00pm歡迎茶會及音樂表演，地點為拉斯維加斯內華達大學Barrick Museum。影片放映場次：24日6:00pm「不能說的秘密」、8:00pm「大象男孩與機器女孩」；25日1:00pm「穿牆人」、6:00pm 「夏天的尾巴」、8:00pm「夢想無限」；26日1:00pm「消失的王國－拱樂社」、6:00pm「炸神明」及7:30pm「最遙遠的距離」上述影片放映地點為內華達大學CBC A106。

詳細活動訊息請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com或駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處http://www.roc-taiwan.org/US/SFO。

新聞聯絡人:吳秘書芬滿;電話(415)364-5602．

新聞稿：紀錄片「炸神明」掀開台灣文化的神秘面紗

2008-10-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

駐舊金山經濟文化處新聞組新聞稿
紀錄片「炸神明」掀開台灣文化的神秘面紗
「不能說的秘密」述說著青春旋律的秘密故事

2008年台灣電影節17日在舊金山大學展開第二天的活動，放映賀照緹導演的「炸神明」，紀錄台灣台東當地民俗「炸寒單」儀式的運作方式及其文化意涵。

本次紀錄片放映吸引將近二百多名觀眾到場觀看，包含學生、教授、社區居民等，並以西方面孔佔大多數。

映後，賀照緹導演親臨現場與觀眾進行對談，針對影片內容深入討論。觀眾的問題聚焦於炸寒單儀式對於黑道兄弟個人心理和台灣常民文化的意義。導演表示炸寒單在表層是英雄行為的象徵，可以讓這些平常處於社會邊緣的道上兄弟，在站在轎子上的短短數十分鐘，得到尊重與肯定；另一方面，他們個人能夠藉由肉體所受的苦難，獲得精神上的救贖，並象徵性的洗滌過去的罪惡。

對於賀導演如何同時以女性和導演的身分進入炸寒單如此「陽剛」的拍攝場景也引起現場觀眾的興趣。賀導演表示剛開始接觸這些道上兄弟時，她內心也相當忐忑，因為她的女性特質相對於大哥們的粗獷陽剛(包括隨身槍悈)，讓她在擔心無法取得拍攝同意權之餘也起擔憂自己的生命安全。最後大哥們不但直爽的答應拍攝，也和賀導演培養出深厚的信任與情誼。

有觀眾表示對於這樣的民俗儀式，需要有錢、有人統籌、還有向政府申請、安全問題等，台灣卻可以由民間自行發起感到不可思議，導演表示這就是台灣可愛的地方，想做什麼就可以做什麼。另外，有位觀眾對於整個炸寒單儀式相當有興趣，對於儀式進行的方式，每個人可以站上轎子多久詢問的很詳細，導演也表示如果有興趣，可以幫他安排上場看看，引起在場諸多笑聲。

影片很精采，能夠與導演深入了解的影片的拍攝更是難得。台灣電影節17日晚間同時在史丹佛大學播映周杰倫導演的劇情片「不能說的秘密」，在東亞研究中心副主任開場後展開，現場400多人到場觀賞，座無虛席，甚至坐到二樓看台，週六還有更精采的三部影片，相關詳情可上本電影節網站http://2008tff.blog.spot.com，新聞聯絡人：楊維綺，415-602-9295

賀照緹導演與觀眾熱烈對談

新聞稿：2008年第三屆台灣電影節在舊金山大學熱鬧揭幕

2008-10-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處新聞組新聞稿
2008年第三屆台灣電影節在舊金山大學熱鬧揭幕

觀眾全場爆滿音樂演出和台灣美食造成驚喜連連

10月16日晚間在舊金山大學的Fromm Hall，第三屆台灣電影節以「夏天的尾巴」作為開幕第一砲。電影節由舊金山大學環太平洋區域研究中心主任Barbara Bundy，舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處處長陳經銓，川流基金會董事長李華林致詞後展開，並在經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂介紹來自台灣的七位導演和音樂人後開始放映第一場電影。

現場座無虛席，觀眾反應熱烈，映後女主角鄭宜農(Enno)與電影音樂製作人葉宛青(KK)即席音樂演出30分鐘，延續電影的感動，之後觀眾與導演的問答，更是妙語如珠，高潮迭起，觀眾隨後與導演和演員近距離接觸，暢談電影與音樂，讓舊金山大學整個晚上充滿電影與音樂。觀眾並在之後的酒會中嘗到了炒米粉等台灣美食。

今晚舊金山大學播放鄭文堂導演之「夏天的尾巴」，共開放兩廳播映，約有近300人共襄盛舉，觀賞影片。席間除了舊金山大學的學生，還有附近居民與慕名遠道而來喜歡台灣電影的民眾，不僅東方人對台灣電影有興趣，近半觀眾是西方面孔。

「夏天的尾巴」是一部在搖滾樂的律動中展現青春歲月的電影，片中有年少輕狂、有歡笑有感動，搭配台灣原創音樂，現場以中文發音，英文字幕播映，觀眾也相當投入，隨這電影起伏歡笑落淚。

映後女主角Enno與片中貝斯手KK並即席演奏6首歌曲，有片中的男女主角互表心意時的主題曲「給親愛的」，還有Enno自己的創作「小小的我」以及台灣民謠「白鷺鷥」等，現場觀眾深深投入與感動。

隨後進行鄭文堂導演,Enno與觀眾之間的問答，談到「夏天的尾巴」片名，以夏天代表青春，貓的尾巴比喻一種平衡，來表達每每經過夏天，青少年在即將成為大人之前總會有些蛻變期的心靈掙扎，尾巴幫助他們達到心靈上的某些平衡。當主持人問到如果國際巨星鞏俐想要跟導演合作，導演準備好了嗎？鄭文堂導演表示，他當然很高興跟他10年前的偶像合作，但是日後還是希望能多跟台灣新一代的演員拍出更好的作品，當場獲得觀眾鼓掌附和。

台灣電影節的精采影片一部接著一部，舊金山大學明天晚間接著將放映賀照緹導演執導的紀錄片「炸神明」。喜歡台灣電影的觀眾，千萬不要再錯過。

詳細資訊請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com。新聞聯絡人：楊維綺 415-602-9295

Enno與KK即席演奏

2008TFF Opens This Thursday

2008-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Taiwan Film Festival opens this Thursday and Friday, October 16-17, at Fromm Hall on the beautiful campus of University of San Francisco!

Fromm Hall is located just off of Parker Avenue, between Golden Gate Avenue and Fulton Street. For a campus map click here, and for the screening schedule here .

The 2008 Taiwan Film Festival will continue to Stanford University, University of Washington, University of Oregon and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Press Center

2008-10-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Press Releases

Press Images

2008TFF [PDF | 11.2MB]
Music Performance mini poster [PDF | 4.6MB]

Film Stills

Program PDF [lower-res PDF | 2.1MB]

第三屆台灣電影節10月23日至25日巡迴至奧勒岡大學展映

2008-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處新聞組新聞稿

日期：2008年10月15日
聯絡人：吳秘書芬滿
電話: 415-364-5602

第三屆台灣電影節10月23日至25日巡迴至奧勒岡大學展映

由川流基金會、亞洲協會及駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處主辦的「台灣電影節」，今年邁入第三屆，將於10月23日至25日巡迴至尤金市奧勒岡大學展映。本年電影節以「青春與救贖」為主題，放映足以展現中華民國社會文化面貌及當代台灣電影深度、廣度及生命力的劇情片與紀錄片。

去年甫在釜山影展及東京影展放映的影片「夏天的尾巴」女主角鄭宜農隨片訪美，並將於23日活動首日下午6時45分與貝斯手葉宛青作現場音樂表演，演唱影片主題曲，為活動揭開序幕。

2007年威尼斯影展國際影評人週最佳影片「最遙遠的距離」導演林靖傑、「炸神明」導演賀照緹及「夢想無限」導演李中旺等專程來美出席，與觀眾暢談拍片心得。

負責籌劃電影節活動的駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂表示，今年台灣電影節最大的特色在於不僅延續前兩年以深獲國際矚目的台灣新銳導演近作為主軸，更主題式選擇放映近年在台灣甚受歡迎，以「青春與救贖」為拍攝題材的影片，讓觀眾透過導演的鏡頭，隨著音樂的流動，走遍台灣鄉鎮，探視青澀青春的美麗光影、傾聽城市人的心事獨白及邊緣靈魂的強悍意志。

翁主任希望透過電影的交流，向美國各界人士介紹台灣豐富多元的文化，也希望所有關心台灣電影的朋友踴躍參與電影節活動，和來自台灣的電影人面對面交流意見。

奧勒岡大學23日將首先放映以台灣民俗活動「炸寒單爺」為拍攝題材的影片「炸神明」及在搖滾樂律動中展現青春身影的「夏天的尾巴」；24日推出台大機械系鄭榮和教授帶領一群學生參加澳洲世界太陽能車賽實現夢想的紀錄片「夢想無限」及以聲音為絲線穿梭於三位主角個人思緒的浪漫電影「最遙遠的距離」；25日續推出紀錄兩位身心障礙兒童奮鬥求生的動人故事「大象男孩與機器女孩」、周杰倫首部執導作品「不能說的秘密」、紀錄台灣一段過往輝煌的歌仔戲歲月「拱樂社」及標誌女人愛情印記的「刺青」等。

台灣電影節活動第一站於10月16日至17日在舊金山大學演出，接著巡迴史丹佛大學（17日至18日）、華盛頓大學（20日至22日）、奧勒岡大學（23日至25日）及拉斯維加斯內華達大學（24日至26日）。

所有活動皆免費入場，10月23日6:45pm開幕茶會及音樂表演，地點為奧勒岡大學Willamette Atrium。影片放映場次：23日5:30pm「炸神明」、8:00pm「夏天的尾巴」。24日5:30pm「夢想無限」、7:30pm「最遙遠的距離」；25日1:00pm「大象男孩與機器女孩」、2:30pm「不能說的秘密」、4:30pm「消失的王國－拱樂社」、7:00pm「刺青」，上述影片放映地點為奧勒岡大學Willamette Hall, Room 100。

詳細活動訊息請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com或駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處http://www.roc-taiwan.org/US/SFO。

新聞稿：第三屆台灣電影節10月20日至22日華盛頓大學展映

2008-10-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

第三屆台灣電影節10月20日至22日華盛頓大學展映

由川流基金會、亞洲協會及駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處主辦的「台灣電影節」，今年邁入第三屆，將於10月20日至22日巡迴至西雅圖華盛頓大學展映。本年電影節以「青春與救贖」為主題，放映足以展現中華民國社會文化面貌及當代台灣電影深度、廣度及生命力的劇情片與紀錄片。

去年甫在釜山影展及東京影展放映的影片「夏天的尾巴」導演鄭文堂、2007年威尼斯影展國際影評人週最佳影片「最遙遠的距離」導演林靖傑及「炸神明」導演賀照緹、「大象男孩與機器女孩」導演林育賢、「夢想無限」導演李中旺等將專程來美出席，與觀眾暢談拍片心得。

「夏天的尾巴」女主角鄭宜農及貝斯手葉宛青將於活動首日下午5時30分作現場音樂表演，演唱影片主題曲為活動揭開序幕。

負責籌劃電影節活動的駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂表示，今年台灣電影節最大的特色在於不僅延續前兩年以深獲國際矚目的台灣新銳導演近作為主軸，更主題式選擇放映近年在台灣甚受歡迎，以「青春與救贖」為拍攝題材的影片，讓觀眾透過導演的鏡頭，隨著音樂的流動，走遍台灣鄉鎮，探視青澀青春的美麗光影、傾聽城市人的心事獨白及邊緣靈魂的強悍意志。

翁主任希望透過電影的交流，向美國各界人士介紹台灣豐富多元的文化，也希望所有關心台灣電影的朋友踴躍參與電影節活動，和來自台灣的電影人面對面交流意見。

華盛頓大學20日將首先放映在搖滾樂律動中展現青春身影的「夏天的尾巴」、紀錄兩位身心障礙兒童奮鬥求生的動人故事「大象男孩與機器女孩」、以台灣民俗活動「炸寒單爺」為拍攝題材的影片「炸神明」；21日放映以聲音為絲線穿梭於三位主角個人思緒的浪漫電影「最遙遠的距離」、周杰倫首部執導作品「不能說的秘密」；22日續推出台大機械系鄭榮和教授帶領一群學生參加澳洲世界太陽能車賽實現夢想的紀錄片「夢想無限」及穿牆於現實與虛擬時空的青春詩意電影「穿牆人」等。

台灣電影節活動第一站於10月16日至17日在舊金山大學演出，接著巡迴史丹佛大學（17日至18日）、華盛頓大學（20日至22日）、奧勒岡大學（23日至25日）及拉斯維加斯內華達大學（24日至26日）。

所有活動皆免費入場，10月20日5:30pm開幕茶會及音樂表演，地點為華盛頓大學Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room。影片放映場次：20日6:45pm「夏天的尾巴」、8:30pm「大象男孩與機器女孩」、9:20pm「炸神明」；21日6:00pm「最遙遠的距離」、8:00pm「不能說的秘密」；22日6:00pm「夢想無限」、7:45pm「穿牆人」，上述影片放映地點為華盛頓大學Sieg Hall 134。

詳細活動訊息請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com。

新聞聯絡人：吳秘書芬滿；電話：415-364-5602。

Press Release: Las Vegas

2008-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

2008 TAIWAN FILM FESTIVAL AT UNIV OF NEVADA, OCTOBER 24-26, 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 be hosted by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) from October 24-26.

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 three directors and one lead actress 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.

Shown on campus at CBC 106, the festival is presented by UNLV's Film Department and Short Film Archive, 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

Taiwan's pop singer Enno Cheng and KK will perform on Saturday evening. A celebrated pop star in Taiwan, she is also the lead actress in SUMMER'S TAIL, the movie following the reception.

Feature Films

* 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 and the opening film at TFF.

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

* 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 riveting to watch. Lead actress 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.

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.

* 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.

* Focusing on the "Kung Le Society," THE LOST KINGDOM, is about the rise and gradual disappearance of this a well-known Taiwanese opera troupe in the forties, who also created the first Taiwanese language films.

* 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 details, please open the attached PDF for locations, scheduled films, photos and director's bio. You can also access additional information through: http://2008tff.blogspot.com

SHORT BLURB:

Taiwan Film Festival at Univ. of Neveda, Oct 24-26

This 3 day festival begins with SECRETS and ELEPHANT BOY AND ROBOGIRL. Highlights includes a live performance by Enno Cheng, star of Cheng Wen-Tang's SUMMER'S TAIL. A celebrated pop singer, she also stars in SUMMER'S TAIL, which starts off the three-day festival. The carefully selected line-up includes THE WALL PASSER, FOR MORE SUN, THE LOST KINGDOM, THE GANGSTER'S GOD AND THE MOST DISTANT COURSE. Filmmakers will be present for 4 of the 8 films.

For more information, please visit: http://2008tff.blogspot.com. Admission is FREE. Presented by the UNLV's Film Department and Film Archive, The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco.

Press Release: Eugene

2008-10-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

THIRD ANNUAL TAIWAN FILM FESTIVAL AT UNIV OF OREGON, OCTOBER 23-25, 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 Oregon (Eugene) from October 23-25. Filmmakers will be present for four of the eight films.

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 three filmmakers and one lead actress 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.

The festival will screen in Wilamette Hall (Room 100) and is hosted by the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies and the Mills International Center at the University of Oregon. It is also 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

Taiwan's pop singer Enno Cheng and KK will perform at the opening reception after the first film, GANGSTER'S GOD. Not only is Enno a celebrated singer, but she also the lead actress in SUMMER'S TAIL, the movie that follows the reception.

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 riveting to watch. Lead actress 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.

* SPIDER LILIES, the last feature at the festival, offers a hauntingly beautiful meditation on how we may commemorate lost lives and lost loves.

Documentaries

* 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.

* 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.

* The last documentary, THE LOST KINGDOM, is about the rise and gradual disappearance of the "Kung Le Society," a well-known Taiwanese opera troupe in the forties, who also created the first Taiwanese language films.

For more details, please open the attached PDF for locations, scheduled films, photos and director's bio. You can also access additional information through: http://2008tff.blogspot.com

SHORT BLURB:

Taiwan Film Festival (TFF) at Univ. of Oregon, Oct 23-25

THE GANGSTER'S GOD begins this year's TFF with a live performance from Enno Cheng at the opening reception that follows. A celebrated pop singer, she also stars in SUMMER'S TAIL, the second film in the festival. The carefully selected lineup includes FOR MORE SUN, THE MOST DISTANT COURSE, ELEPHANT BOY AND ROBOGIRL, SECRET, THE LOST KINGDOM and SPIDER LILIES. Filmmakers will be present for Q&A at 4 of the 8 films.

For more information, please visit: http://2008tff.blogspot.com. Admission is FREE. Presented by the East Asian Languages and Literatures, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies and Mills International Center of the Univ. of Oregon. The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco.

新聞稿：第三屆台灣電影節10月16日至18日灣區演出

2008-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處新聞組新聞稿

日期：2008年10月6日

聯絡人：吳秘書芬滿

電話: 415-364-5602

第三屆台灣電影節10月16日至18日灣區演出

由川流基金會、亞洲協會及駐舊金山台北經濟文化辦事處主辦的「台灣電影節」，今年邁入第三屆， 10月16日至17日將在舊金山大學，17日至18日在史丹佛大學，以「青春與救贖」為主題，放映足以展現中華民國社會文化面貌及當代台灣電影深度、廣度及生命力的劇情片與紀錄片。

去年甫在釜山影展及東京影展放映的影片「夏天的尾巴」導演鄭文堂及女主角鄭宜農將現身舊金山大學；2007年威尼斯影展國際影評人週最佳影片「最遙遠的距離」導演林靖傑也將在史丹佛大學與觀眾深入對談。其他專程自台灣訪美出席電影節活動的導演還包括「炸神明」導演賀照緹、「大象男孩與機器女孩」林育賢及「夢想無限」李中旺等。

負責籌劃電影節活動的駐舊金山經文處新聞組主任翁桂堂表示，今年台灣電影節最大的特色在於不僅延續前兩年以深獲國際矚目的台灣新銳導演近作為主軸，更主題式選擇放映近年在台灣甚受歡迎，以「青春與救贖」為拍攝題材的影片，讓觀眾透過導演的鏡頭，隨著音樂的流動，走遍台灣鄉鎮，探視青澀青春的美麗光影、傾聽城市人的心事獨白及邊緣靈魂的強悍意志。翁主任希望透過電影的交流，向美國各界人士介紹台灣豐富多元的文化，也希望所有關心台灣電影的朋友踴躍參與電影節活動，和來自台灣的電影人面對面交流意見。

電影節在灣區的活動於16日在舊金山大學以「夏天的尾巴」揭開序幕，影片中導演鄭文堂以纖細的鏡頭調度，在搖滾樂的律動中展現青春身影。映後，鄭文堂將與觀眾分享拍片心得，女主角鄭宜農與貝斯手葉宛青也將現場為觀眾演唱該片主題曲。17日放映以台灣民俗活動「炸寒單爺」為拍攝題材的影片「炸神明」，導演賀照緹亦專程訪美出席。

史丹佛大學將於17日放映周杰倫首部執導作品「不能說的秘密」；18日推出紀錄兩位身心障礙兒童奮鬥求生的動人故事「大象男孩與機器女孩」、台大機械系鄭榮和教授帶領一群學生參加澳洲世界太陽能車賽實現夢想的紀錄片「夢想無限」及以聲音為絲線穿梭於三位主角個人思緒的浪漫電影「最遙遠的距離」，上述三部影片導演也將於映後與觀眾面對面交流。

結束在舊金山灣區的映演之後，台灣電影節將於20日至22日在華盛頓大學、23日至25日在奧勒岡大學及24日至26日在拉斯維加斯內華達大學接續巡迴演出。

所有活動皆免費入場，詳細資訊請見電影節網站:2008tff.blogspot.com。

Press Release: Seattle

2008-10-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Press Release: Bay Area

2008-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

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 IN BAY AREA THEATERS OCTOBER 16-18, 2008

The Taiwan Film Festival (TFF) will return for its third annual edition this October in Bay Area theaters. TFF will showcase a carefully programmed selection of the Republic of China's best contemporary films. With a focus on "Youth and Redemption," the festival will be hosted by the University of San Francisco on Oct 16-17 and by Stanford University on Oct 17-18. Filmmakers will be present for the screenings.

Presented by The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and the campuses, admission is free and screenings are open to the public.

TFF at University of San Francisco October 16-17

On Thursday, October 16, the festival opens at University of San Francisco's Fromm Hall (corner of Parker and Golden Gate Ave.) with director Cheng Wen-Tang's SUMMER'S TALE. A selection of the 2007 Pusan Film Festival, SUMMER'S TALE begins as a story of youthful passions, and evolves to focus on the transformative power of friendship. Enno Cheng, the director's daughter, provides a stunning performance as a teen songwriter who finds herself pulled into the romantic orbits of a classmate and teacher, all the while fighting a heart condition.

Following the screening and Q&A with Director Cheng, Enno, who is also a celebrated pop star in Taiwan, will perform along with musician KK who composed the soundtrack to SUMMER'S TALE.

On Friday, October 17, Ho Chao-Ti's fascinating documentary THE GANGSTER'S GOD will make its US premiere. At every Lantern Festival in Taidong, a group of men strip bare above the waist, and wearing nothing but red shorts, stands on a sacred palanquin, allowing people to pound their bodies with bottle rockets, singeing their skin. They are believed to be human incarnations of the god Handan. The "Scorching of Handan" has in recent years become a major event in eastern Taiwan. Those who take part in the ritual have always been shrouded in mystery, and rumored to be members of the gangster underworld. This stunning documentary enters the heart of these men's universe, recording their dramatic lives.

A Q&A with director Ho Chao-Ti will follow.

TFF at Stanford University October 17-18, 2008

Stanford University will host four films from the Taiwan Film Festival on October 17-18. All screenings will take place at Stanford's Cubberly Auditorium (485 Lasuen Hall).

The Stanford selections will open with SECRET, the directing debut from actor Jay Chou (CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER). A charming romance also starring Chou, SECRET was an official selection of the 2008 San Francisco International Film Festival.

Two documentaries will follow. In Lin Yu-Hsien's ELEPHANT BOY AND ROBOGIRL, two young children, though suffering from tremendous physical handicaps, fight to live life to the fullest. Lee Jong-Wang's FOR MORE SUN chronicles the efforts of a group of young Taiwanese engineers as they build a hand-made solar car to complete in the World Solar Challenge in Australia.

The festival at Stanford concludes with Lin Jing-Jie's THE MOST DISTANT COURSE, winner of the International Critic's Week Award at the 2007 Venice Film Festival. The movie interweaves the stories of three lost souls as they travel through Taiwan's beautiful Eastern shore in search of solace, while reminding the viewer of the elevating power of sound and music. Lin Yu-Hsien, Lee Jong-Wang and Lin Jing-Jie will be in attendance.

With its unique and rich cultural heritage, Taiwan has produced such internationally recognized directors as, Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang. During TFF 2008, viewers will be treated to the next generation of great directors from Taiwan and have a chance to ask about their creative process.

For more details, please open the attached PDF for locations, scheduled films, photos and director's bio. You can also access additional information through:

http://2008tff.blogspot.com

Short Blurb for the South Bay media:

The 2008 Taiwan Film Festival will run at Stanford University (Cubberley Aud.) on Oct 17 & 18. Jay Chou's directorial debut SECRETS will screen at 8pm on October 17. October 18th will features three films, including two documentaries: ELEPHANT BOY AND ROBOGIRL and FOR MORE SUN, as well as Lin Jing-Jie's award winner feature THE MOST DISTANT COURSE. Filmmakers will be on hand for Q&A during Saturday's films. Presented by the Center for East Asian Studies (Stanford Univ.), The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society and Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in SF. Admission is FREE. TFF will also have films playing at Univ. of San Francisco on Oct 16-17. For more specific information about the scheduled films & directors, please visit http://2008tff.blogspot.com.

Short Blurb for San Francisco media:

The 2008 Taiwan Film Festival will run at the University of San Francisco's Fromm Hall October 16-17, 2008. Cheng Wen-Tang's SUMMER'S TAIL will screen at 5:45pm on Thursday, October 16, and will be followed by a Q&A with the director and a special live musical performance by lead actress Enno Cheng. On Friday, October 17, the documentary THE GANGSTER'S GOD will be featured, with the director in attendance. TFF will also be showing films at Stanford University on Oct 17-18. For more information, please visit http://2008tff.blogspot.com. Presented by USF Center for the Pacific Rim, The Chuan Lyu Foundation, Asia Society and Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in SF. Admission is FREE.

Live Performance of Summer's Tail Soundtrack

2008-09-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Special Presentation
Live performances by ENNO and KK from their movie soundtrack Summer's Tail.

(click to enlarge)

10/16 7:45pm
Fromm Hall
University of San Francisco

10/20 5:30pm
Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room
University of Washigton, Seattle

10/23 6:45pm
Willamette Atrium
University of Oregon, Eugene

10/25 5:00pm
Barrick Museum
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

From our presenters

2008-09-03T00:59:00.000-07:00

Redemption Captured on Film

Thank you for joining us for the 2008 Taiwan Film Festival (TFF). The 2008 TFF builds on the success of the previous film festivals by again presenting the many facets of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Prepare yourselves for a cultural feast exploring youthful trials and redemption.

While international audiences have associated Taiwanese films with long camera shots and a minimum of dialogue as embodied in the films of Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Tsai Ming-Liang and Edward Yang films, many emerging Taiwanese directors are breaking new ground by incorporating more modern and popular approaches to filmmaking.

In 2006, TFF screened movies showing the evolution of Taiwanese cinema in new directions, moving beyond the New Wave. In 2007, we continued to showcase young and upcoming film directors who created independent, documentary and experimental films that challenged comfort levels and typical global impressions of Taiwan.

This year, TFF will again bring you some of the islands' best feature and documentary films focusing on youth and redemption. Whether about a gangster trying to "purge the guilt in his heart" in the Gangster's God or troubled souls journeying around the island in The Most Distant Course, these stories explore their young lives and how they find redemption. While the theme of "youth and redemption" is not uncommon, these stories serve as a window to a society rarely seen outside of Taiwan.

To compliment the films, we again welcome some of the filmmakers themselves from Taiwan, including Cheng Wen-Tang, Lin Jing-Jie, Ho Chao-Ti and Lin Yu-hsien. They will tour with the films, participating in post-screening Q&As at the five venues. Aside from the invited directors, this year's program will also include singer Enno Cheng, the leading actress of Summer's Tail and the movies' composer, Yeh Wan-Ching (KK). They will perform at the opening receptions at several participating universities.

We welcome you to the 2008 TFF and hope you enjoy the breadth of this year's selections.

Sincerely,

Hwalin Lee - Ph.D., Chairman, Chuan-Lyu Foundation

Tony Ong - Director, Press Division, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in San Francisco

N. Bruce Pickering - Executive Director, Asia Society Northern California

Screening Schedule - University of Nevada, Las Vegas

2008-09-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

University of Nevada, Las Vagas
Presented by: UNLV Film Department & UNLV Short Film Archive
Screening Venue: CBC A106

October 24, Friday
6:00pm Secret
8:00pm Elephant Boy and Robogirl

October 25, Saturday
1:00pm The Wall-Passer
5:00pm Reception & Performance » (Barrick Museum)
6:00pm Summer’s Tail *
8:00pm For More Sun *

October 26, Sunday
1:00pm The Lost Kingdom
6:00pm The Gangster’s God *
7:30pm The Most Distant Course *

* Filmmaker(s) in person, post-screening Q&A
» Live performances by ENNO and KK from their movie soundtrack Summer's Tail

Screening Schedule - University of Oregon

2008-09-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

University of Oregon
Presented by: Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies & Mills International Center
Screening Venue: Willamette Hall, Room 100

October 23, Thursday
5:30pm The Gangster's God *
6:45pm Reception & Performance » (Willamette Atrium)
8:00pm Summer's Tail *

October 24, Friday
5:30pm For More Sun *
7:30pm The Most Distant Course *

October 25, Saturday
1:00pm Elephant Boy and Robogirl
2:30pm Secret
4:30pm The Lost Kingdom
7:00pm Spider Lilies

* Filmmaker(s) in person, post-screening Q&A
» Live performances by ENNO and KK from their movie soundtrack Summer's Tail

For more information please call (541) 346-1521.

Screening Schedule - University of Washington

2008-09-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

University of Washington
Presented by: East Asia Center and the China Studies Program
Screening Venues: as indicated below

October 20, Monday
5:30pm Reception & Performance » (Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room)
6:45pm Summer’s Tail * (Sieg Hall 134)
8:30pm Elephant Boy and Robogirl * (Sieg Hall 134)
9:20pm The Gangster God * (Sieg Hall 134)

October 21, Tuesday
6:00pm The Most Distant Course * (Sieg Hall 134)
8:00pm Secret (Sieg Hall 134)

October 22, Wednesday
6:00pm For More Sun * (Physics-Astronomy Auditorium 102)
7:45pm The Wall-Passer (Physics-Astronomy Auditorium 102)

* Filmmaker(s) in person, post-screening Q&A
» Live performances by ENNO and KK from their movie soundtrack Summer's Tail

Map and directions:
Kane Hall
Sieg Hall
Physics-Astronomy Auditorium

Screening Schedule - Stanford University

2008-09-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Stanford University
Presented by: Center for East Asian Studies, Stanford University
Screening Venue: Cubberley Auditorium

October 17, Friday
8:00pm Secret

October 18, Saturday
2:00pm Elephant Boy and Robogirl *
3:30pm For More Sun *
8:00pm The Most Distant Course *

* Filmmaker(s) in person, post-screening Q&A

Screening Schedule - University of San Francisco

2008-09-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

University of San Francisco
Presented by: USF Center for the Pacific Rim
Screening Venue: Fromm Hall

October 16, Thursday
5:45pm Summer’s Tail *
7:45pm Music Performance »
8:30pm Reception

October 17, Friday
5:45pm The Gangster’s God *
7:30pm Reception

* Filmmaker(s) in person, post-screening Q&A
» Live performances by ENNO and KK from their movie soundtrack Summer's Tail

Enno Cheng

2008-09-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Enno Cheng

- Lead Actress of 《Summer's Tail》 (2007)
- Singer-songwriter

Enno Cheng is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and a film actress. As the lead actress of 《Summer's Tail》, she was nominated for the Best New Performer in 2007 Golden Horse Awards. She plays regularly in venues throughout Taiwan and appeared recently at the Formoz Festival.

KK

2008-09-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

KK (Yeh Wan-Ching)
Composer of 《Summer's Tail》 Soundtrack

- Bassist of Aphasia
- Founder of White Wabbit Records

KK is the bassist for Taiwanese indie band Aphasia. Aphasia made their music debut composing the soundtrack for the film 《Summer's Tail》. Aphasia recorded a number of songs for the film, mostly instrumental. Their first studio album "Aphasic Crocodile Society" will be released on September 12 by White Wabbit Records. Aside from being the bassist of Aphasia, KK is also the founder of White Wabbit Records.

Hung Hung

2008-09-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hung Hung 鴻鴻
Director of The Wall-Passer

Hung Hung is a well-known poet, stage director and filmmaker in Taiwan. He is the co-author of Edward Yang's film 《A Brighter Summer Day》 (1991) and director of many plays, operas and films. His first film, 《The Love of Three Oranges》 (1998), was an invitée to the Venice Film Festival 1999 and won the Prix FIPRESCI at the Chicago Film Festival and the Best Director at the Festival of the 3 Continents. His second film, 《Human Comedy》, which has won the Prix du Public at the Festival of the 3 Continents in 2001 as well as the Golden Dagger Award (Best Film) in the Muscat Film Festival.

His third film, 《A Garden in the Sky》, a digital film full of visual excitements and fantastic imagination, won the Best Art Direction Prize winner in Taipei Film Festival 2002. It was also an invitée to Moscow International Film Festival in 2003. His latest cinematic venture, 《The Wall-Passer》, a fantastic film is already a milestone in Taiwan's film industry.

Filmography / Awards

Writer:
2007 《The Wall-Passer》
2002 《A Garden in the Sky》
2001 《Human Comedy》
1999 《The Love of Three Oranges》
1994 《A Confucian Confusion》
1991 《A Brighter Summer Day》

Director:
2007 《The Wall Passer》
Pusan International Film Festival
2002 《A Garden in the Sky》
2001 《Human Comedy》
Nantes Three Continents Festival - Audience Award
Hong Kong International Film Festival - Fipresci Prize
Muscat Film Festival - Golden Dagger
1999 《The Love of Three Oranges》
Nantes Film Festival - Best Director Award
Chicago International Film Fsetival - Fipresci Prise

Producer:
2001 《Human Comedy》
1999 《The Love of Three Oranges》

Actor:
1994 《A Confucian Confusion》
1991 《A Brighter Summer Day》

Zero Chou

2008-09-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

Zero Chou 周美玲
Director of Spider Lilies

Chou was born in Keelung, Taiwan in 1969. Drawn into film making because of her attraction to the combination of content and form, she left a journalism career to become a indie film director. Heralded in Taiwan as the most talented documentary director in the recent years, she has received various film festival awards around the world.

Filmography / Awards

Documentary

2004 《Father In The Blacklist》 56min
2003 《The Kinmenese Tracks》 64min
2002 《Poles Extremit》 56min
2001 《Corners》 66min
2000 《Floating Islands》288min
《Before The Radiation》 22min
《Headhunting Festival》 54min
《Zou Zu Zhan Ji》 56min
1998 《Yi Shi Zai Hai Shi Zhong》 48min
《Being Ceased》 60min
《Mother And Son》 65min
《Democracy Show》 53min
《Wanderers' Bay》 60min
1997 《Looking For The Forgotten Artists》 45min
《Artist And His Daughter》 23 min
《Memories Of The Taiwanese Master》 47min

Feature

2007 《Spider Lilies》 97min
Berlin International Film Festival - Teddy Award
2006 《The Road In The Air》 82min
2004 《Splendid Float》 71min
1996 《A Film About The Body》 62min

Lee Jong-Wang

2008-09-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Lee Jong-Wang 李中旺
Director of For More Sun

Born in Chong-Li, Taiwan, Lee Jong-Wang is a veteran photographer of TV productions. After years of producing variety shows, news programs and TV series, he founded Studio Fullshot with friends in 1988. Since then he has devoted himself in making documentary films and teaching young documentary filmmakers. Studio Fullshot disbanded in 2006 but Lee continued his work in making and teaching documentary filmmaking. He is one of the few members in Taiwan who has been working in this field for over 20 years.

Filmography / Awards

2006 《For More Sun》
2007 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, Korea 2006 Taipei Film Festival – Global Chinese Films and Videos
2006 Green International Film Festival, Taiwan

2004 《Radio Mihu》
2004 Taiwan International Documentary Film Festival - Taiwan Award: Special Jury Prize
2005 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, Japan
2006 The 4th Hong Kong Social Movement Film Festival

Link to our blog!

2008-08-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here are two little html scripts that allows you to post the Taiwan Film Festival picture link to your blog or website. Enjoy!

Banner Style (465x122)

Sticker Style (150x150)

Lin, Jing-Jie

2008-08-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Lin, Jing-Jie 林靖傑
Director of The Most Distant Course

Born in 1967, Lin has been exploring different art media in writing, filmmaking and theatrical directing. He has won major literary prizes and is regarded as one of the most promising film directors in Taiwan. All of Lin Jing-Jie's narrative films and documentaries show a very unique and powerful visual style.

Filmography / Awards

2007 《The Most Distant Course》Narrative / 35 mm / 110min
9th Taipei Film Festival, Opening Film - Special Jury Award of Taipei Award & Special Mention of New Talent Competition
64th Venice International Film Festival - International Critic's Week Award
12th Pusan International Film Festival
20th Tokyo International Film Festival

2006 《Street Survivor》Docu-drama / DV / 21min
7th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival International Digital Shorts Competition - Best Taiwan Film
Hong Kong Asian Film Festival

2004 《Taipei, Looking Up?》Documentary / DV / 57min

2003 《We Don’t Have a Future Together》TV Narrative / HD / 86min
10th Shanghai Television Festival - Best Actor

2000 《My Own Private Green Island》Documentary / 35mm / 30min
12th Marseilles International Documentary Festival - New Director Award

1999 《Taiwan’s Little Theatre》Documentary series / Betacam

1998 《My Own Personal Gun》Narrative / 35mm / 40min
2nd Taipei Film Festival - Most Promising Director of the Year & Best Actress of the Year
43rd Asia Pacific Film Festival - Best Jury Award

1996 《Murmur of Youth: Steppenwolf》Narrative / 16mm / 30min
1st Pusan International Film Festival
19th Golden- Harvest Festival - Best Short Fiction Film

Jay Chou

2008-07-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Jay Chou 周杰倫
Director of Secret

Jay Chou (born January 18, 1979) is a Taiwanese musician, singer, producer, actor and director who has won the World Music Award three times. Trained in classical music, Chou combines Chinese and Western music styles to produce songs that fuse R&B, rock and pop genres. His lyrics covers issues such as domestic violence, war and urbanization.

A winner of more than 20 awards yearly and with album sales of 25 million worldwide, his music has earned him recognition throughout Asia and in overseas Chinese and Taiwanese communities. In 2007, he was named one of the 50 most influential people in China by the British think tank Chatham House. He starred in 《Initial D》 (2005) and 《Curse of the Golden Flower》 (2006). His career now extends into directing and running his own record company JVR Music.

Filmography / Awards

Actor:
2009 《Kung Fu Dunk 2》- Lead Actor
2008 《Ciqing shidai》 (in production)
《Kung Fu Dunk》- Lead Actor
2007 《Secret》- Lead Actor
2006 《Curse of the Golden Flower》- Supporting Actor
2005 《Initial D - Drift Racer》- Lead Actor
Golden Horse Award - Best New Performer
Hong Kong Film Award - Best New Performer
2003 《Hidden Track》- Cameo

Soundtrack:
2006 《Curse of the Golden Flower》- performer
Hong Kong Film Award - Best Original Film Song
2005 《Initial D - Drift Racer》- performer and producer

Director:
2007 《Secret》
2008 San Francisco International Film Festival

Writer:
2007 《Secret》

Lee Hsiang-Hsiu

2008-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Lee Hsiang-Hsiu 李香秀
Director of The Lost Kingdom

Born in 1964 in Taipei, Taiwan, Lee is an independent filmmaker and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radio, Television and Film at Shih Hsin University. Her first documentary work The Lost Kingdom won the NETPAC Prize for Special Mention in the 2000 Taiwan International Documentary Film Festival. Chronicle of the Sea, Nan-Fang-Ao is her second feature-length documentary. It won the Taipei Golden Horse Award for the Best Documentary in 2004.

Filmography / Awards

2004 《Chronicle of the Sea, Nan-Fang-Ao》 35mm / Color / 98 mins
2004 Taipei Golden Horse Award for the Best Documentary
2005 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival

1999 《The Lost Kingdom》 16mm / Color / 98 mins
1999 Hawaii International Film Festival
2000 Taiwan International Documentary Film Festival – The NETPAC Prize for Special Mention
2001 Women’s Film Festival in Seoul

The Lost Kingdom

2008-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

The Lost Kingdom 消失的王國－拱樂社
Release: 2002
Genre: Documentary
Director: Lee Hsiang-Hsiu
Total Running Time: 98 min

The Lost Kingdom” is the story of the rise to fame and gradual disappearance of the “Kung Le Society,” a well-known Taiwanese opera troupe in the forty’s. The film documents the story of Chen Cheng-san, the entertainment mogul behind Kung Le Society’s success. Chen added new features to the opera that attracted crowds into the theatres. He delved into motion pictures and created the first Taiwanese language films. He used child actors when adults filled children’s roles. He founded a school for Taiwanese opera. He even tried television and started a song-and-dance act. With the Kuomintang’s enforcement of Mandarin, and with the advent of television, Chen’s kingdom went into decline and was eventually dissolved.

1999 16MM COLOR 98 MIN The 1999 Hawaii International Film Festival－Nominated for the Best Documentary The 2000 Taiwan International Documentary Film Festival－The NETPAC Prize for Special Me
2001 Women’s Film Festival in Seoul

Cheng Wen-Tang

2008-07-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Cheng Wen-Tang 鄭文堂
Director of Summer's Tail

Born in 1958, Cheng Wen-Tang has extensive experience in all aspects of film-making. As an independent producer, Cheng builds up his reputation in producing documentary, short films, and subsequently, expanding into feature films. All this has earned him the recognition of the local movie industry. In addition to this various talents, Cheng is also an active scriptwriter, TV series director, as well as a stage actor. His newest production in 2007 is 《Summer's Tail》.

Filmography / Awards

2007 《Summer's Tail》35mm / 99min
Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 12th Pusan International Film Festival

2005 《Blue Cha-Cha》35mm / 108min
Represent Taiwan to compete in Oscar Academy Award Foreign Language Film category
France Deauville Asia Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Tokyo International Film Festival

2004《The Passage》 35mm / 105min
Tokyo International Film Festival
Korea Kwangju Film Festival
Asia Pacific Film Festival
Belgium Brussels Film Festival

2003 《Badu's Homework》16mm / 35min
Taipei Film Festival - Best Film

2002 《Somewhere over the Dreamland》35mm / 93min
Venice Film Festival - The International Critics' Week Award
Golden Horse Film Festival - Best Taiwanese Film

2000 《Vanity Fair of Tan-Sui》35mm / 90min
Taipei Film Festival

1999 《Postcard》16mm / 52min
Taipei Film Festival - Special Award
Singapore Film Festival
Melbourne Film Festival

1996 Producer《The Blue Moon》

Award of the Best Screenplay by the Government Information Office
Scriptwriter《The Poet and A-De》

Korean New Current Film Competition

Ho, Chao-ti

2008-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ho Chao-ti 賀照緹
Director of The Gangster's God

Ho Chao-ti is a documentary film producer and director. For many years, her films have centered on marginal, non-mainstream subjects, including traditional ethnic music and hybrid contemporary culture. Her films have been shortlisted at the Taiwan International Documentary Festival, the Taiwan International Ethnographic Film Festival, Women Make Waves Film Festival, South Taiwan Film & Video Festival, the Yilan Green International Film Festival, the Ho-Hai-Yan Music Film Festival and the Shanghai Mecooon Film Festival. She has received the Jury Special Award in Taipei Film Festival and the Golden Harvest Award of Excellence.

Filmography / Awards

2008 Producer and director, 《El Salvador Journal》 documentary / Digi
Beta / 55 min / Chinese, English and Spanish/ Filmed on behalf of
Public Television Service

2006 《Mouth of a Volcano》 documentary, part of the television series
《Baseball in Taiwan – A Tale of a Hundred Years》 Digi Beta / 49
min / Chinese / Filmed on behalf of Public Television Service

2005 《Cockroach Confidential》 documentary / Digi Beta / 47 min / English /
Filmed on behalf of National Geographic Channel International and
broadcast in 27 languages in 163 countries throughout the world,
with a total of 205 million viewers

Producer and director, 《How Many Grams? 》 documentary / Digi
Beta / 30 min / Chinese / Filmed on behalf of the Legal Aid
Foundation, Taiwan

2003 Producer and director, 《Squeezebox on the Road》 documentary /
DV / 55 min / Chinese, English, Czech, Polish, Portuguese and
Spanish/Filmed on behalf of Public Television Service

2001 《County Road 184》 documentary / Betacam / 55 min / Mandarin,
Hakka and English / Filmed on behalf of Public Television Service

Lin, Yu-Hsien

2008-07-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lin Yu-Hsien 林育賢
Director of Elephant Boy and Robogirl

Wit and humor dominate Lin Yu-Hsien's creations as he looks upon the issues that society faces. With his Jump Boys Films production, his works always reflect the humanity in situations. His shorts "Pray for Graffiti" and "His-Men Street" were in the running at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival International Digital Shorts Competition in 2002 and 2003, respectively. His first documentary《 Jump! Boys》 was named Best Documentary at the Golden Horse Film Festival and broke box office records for the genre, being shown in Taiwan's theatres for three months. In 2006,《 Jump! Boys》 was aired in Japan, where it was well received. That same year, Lin was invited by Business Weekly to work on the documentary 《Elephant Boy and Robogirl》as part of the《One Taiwan, Two Worlds》series.《Exit No. 6》is the director's first narrative film.

Filmography / Awards

2008 《The man who plants trees》 55 min / Documentary

2007 《Exit No. 6》Feature Film

2006 《Elephant Boy and Robogirl》 48 min / Documentary

2005 《Jump! Boys》 84 min / Documentary
Golden Horse Film Festival - Best Documentary
Golden Rooster and Full Blossom Awards
CJ Asian Independent Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Fukuoka International Film Festival
Taipei Film Festival - Special Jury Award & Audience Choice Award
Government Information Office Golden Harvest Award for
Excellence in Film
South Taiwan Film & Video Festival - Best Documentary

2004 《E. T. Brother》 Screenplay
Government Information Office Excellent Film Screenplay Award
JVC Tokyo Video Festival
《Pray for Graffiti》 11 min / Documentary
San Diego Film Festival

2003 《His-men Street》 29 min / Documentary
Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival
Asia Television Documentary Film Festival
View Point Festival, Public Television Service Foundation
Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival

Elephant Boy and Robogirl

2008-07-16T20:08:00.001-07:00

Elephant Boy and Robogirl 大象男孩與機器女孩
Release: 2006
Genre: Documentary
Director: Lin Yu-Hsien
Total Running Time: 48 min

EThis film celebrates Xiang Xiang and Shan Shan. Nicknamed Elephant Boy for his love of elephants, Xiang Xiang is an 8-year-old, multi-handicapped boy. Although under tremendous pain, he expresses himself with enthusiasm and passion. Also 8, Robogirl suffering from Cerebral Palsy. It takes her 90 seconds to take three steps. Although her body is stiff like a machine and moving causes great pain, she doesn’t give up. She keeps going, crying while yelling out, “I will make it! I will make it!”

Trailer

Spider Lilies

2008-07-16T20:04:00.001-07:00

Spiderlilies 刺青
Release: 2007
Genra: Fiction
Director: Zero Chou
Total Running Time : 97 min
Starring: Isabella Leong, Rainie Yang, Shen Jian-Hung, Kris Shie, Shih Yuen-Chieh

Takeko is a tattoo artist taking care of her traumatized brother after he witnesses the death of their father in an earthquake. Unable to recognize anyone, the image of a spider-lily tattoo on his father's arm is the last cohesive memory he has. Takeko puts the same tattoo of the poisonous flowers on her arm in the hopes of helping her brother get his memory back. Years later, a webcam sex worker, Jade, visits Takeko's tattoo parlor, looking for a sexy image to excite her clientele. She recognizes Takeko's tattoo as that of the woman she had a crush on as a child. While trying to rekindle the old flame, a series of tragic events unfolds.

Trailer

2007 Berlin International Film Festival – Teddy Award

Secret

2008-07-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Secret 不能說的．祕密
Release: 2007
Genre: Fiction
Director: Jay Chou
Total Running Time: 102 min
Starring: Jay Chou, Guey Lun-Mei, Anthony Wong

On his first day at Tamkang Secondary School, Lun is lured by a mysterious piano solo. He follows the song and finds an ethereal girl playing piano in the old music room. The girl is Yu, one of Lun’s classmates. The always tardy Yu ends up sitting next to Lun in the back row.

“What’s the melody you played the first day we met?” asked Lun. “That’s my secret.” Yu whispered in his ear.
This is Jay Chou's directorial debut.

Trailer

2008 San Francisco International Film Festival

Summer's Tail

2008-07-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Summer's Tail 夏天的尾巴
Release: 2007
Genre: Fiction
Director: Chen Wen-Tang
Total Running Time: 99 min
Starring: Bryant Chang, Enno Cheng, Dean Fujioka, Hannah Lin, Lu Yi-Ching

Yvette is a popular teen songwriter living in a small town in southern Taiwan. One day, while performing for her classmates, Yvette falls unconscious and is sent to the nurse’s office. There Yvette and best friend Wendy meets Jimmy. While Wendy immediately falls for Jimmy, he only has eyes for beautiful school teacher Miss Xiu. Jimmy and Miss Xiu are forced to end their relationship lest she risk losing her job. While Wendy’s gaze drifts towards soccer-loving Japaneses exchange student Akira, Yvette recovers from her heart condition and opens her arms to embrace Jimmy’s emotions.

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

Trailer 3

2007 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
2007 Pusan International Film Festival

The Wall-Passer

2008-07-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Wall-Passer 穿牆人
Release: 2007
Genre: Fiction, Sci-fi
Director: Hung Hung
Total‭ ‬Running‭ ‬Time‭: ‬108‭ ‬min
Starring: Chang Yung-Cheng, Lee Chia-Ying, Lu Chia-Hsin

17-year-old Tye and his parents evacuate their home after an earthquake on planet G40 and move to Reality City. Tye is a teenage piano prodigy who takes to constantly tapping out rhythms on the computer keyboard. During a school field trip to a nuclear power plant, Tye discovers a radioactive rock whose powers enables him to pass through walls. He also meets a deaf alien shopgirl, NoNo, who captured his heart before vanishes without a trace. With the aid of his glowing stone, Tye searches the world for his missing love and meets Ya-hung who is also searching for a missing loved one.

Trailer

2007 Pusan International Film Festival

The Ganster's God

2008-07-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

The Gangster's God 炸神明
Release: 2006
Genre: Documentary
Director: Ho Chao-ti
Total Running Time: 49 min
Original music by Chen Guan-yu and the Hohak Band

At every Lantern Festival in Taidong, a group of men strips bare above the waist, and wearing nothing but red shorts, stands on a sacred palanquin, allowing people to pound their bodies with bottle rockets, singeing their skin. They are believed to be human incarnations of the god Handan. The “Scorching of Handan” has in recent years become a major event in eastern Taiwan. Those who take part in the ritual have always been shrouded in mystery, and rumored to be members of the gangster underworld. The documentary 《The Gangster’s God》 enters the heart of these men’s universe, recording their dramatic lives.

For More Sun

2008-07-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

For More Sun 夢想無限
Release: 2006
Genre: Documentary
Director: Lee Jong-Wang
Total Running Time: 96 min

For More Sun is a documentary film that portrays the creativity and determination in Taiwanese young engineers. Professor Cheng and his students believed that any knowledge you learn in school should be applied to reality. Their dream was to build the fastest running hand-made vehicle. In 2005 they created FORMOSUN III, a world-class solar car for the World Solar Challenge in Australia, a 3,000 kilometers journey going from Darwin to Adelaide. Efficiency, coordination and extreme sunlight are the winning elements. As the underdog, they more than make up for it in their determination to win.

Trailer

For More Sun Official Website [in Mandarin]
For More Sun movie blog [in Mandarin]

2007 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, Korea
2006 Taipei Film Festival
2006 Green International Film Festival, Taiwan

Most Distant Course

2008-07-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Most Distant Course 最遙遠的距離
Release: 2007
Genre: Fiction
Director: Lin Jing-Jie
Total Running Time: 110 min
Starring: Guey Lun-Mei, Mo Tze-Yi, Jia Siao-Guo

Seemingly lost in life, sound recordist Xiao Tang embarks on a road trip around Taiwan to capture the "Sounds of Formosa." In need of some therapy himself, intense and unpredictable psychiatrist Cai gets up one day and just keeps driving. The two meet in a bizarre encounter and become unlikely travel companions on their island circuit. Xiao Tang sends his recordings to ex-girlfriend, but the tapes end up in the hands of the apartment's new tenant, Ruo-Yun, a young woman who is nursing a troubled relationship of her own. Lured by the peaceful recordings of wind, waves, and aboriginal songs, Yun takes to the road to follow the source of the sounds.

Trailer

2007 Venice Film Festival – International Critic's Week Award

Tour Schedule

2008-07-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

The film selection is almost done and the tour schedule is out! We are looking at a wonderful film tour that will bring some recent Taiwanese film works and filmmakers to the following campus during mid to end of October. We are looking forward to seeing you at the screening venues at these locations.

University of San Francisco
10/16 - 10/17

Stanford University
10/17 - 10/18

University of Washington
10/19 - 10/22

University of Oregon in Eugene
10/23 - 10/25

University of Nevada Las Vegas
10/24 - 10/26

2008 Taiwan Film Festival

2008-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of screening films for the 2008 Taiwan Film Festival. This year's dates are set in mid to end of October. The films and invited filmmakers will tour to four locations -- San Francisco, Stanford, Eugene (Oregon), and Seattle. More details to come.