Taiwan cinematic talents shine in Berlin

2017/02/10

Taiwan’s strength in cinema is on display in Germany as documentary directors Huang Hui-chen and Lau Kek-huat and short film director Wen Chih-yi present their works at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival taking place Feb. 9-19.

Huang’s “Small Talk” is the first Taiwan documentary ever to enter in the festival’s Panorama section, which is designed to connect filmmakers and buyers. The film, spotlighting the relationship between a homosexual mother and her daughter, will also compete for the Teddy Award, which is presented to films dealing with LGBT topics.

Malaysia-born filmmaker Lau was selected to showcase his work “Absent without Leave” at the Berlinale Talents, a summit that takes place each year during the festival. The film offers a unique take on Malaysian history as seen through the eyes of Lau’s grandfather.

Wen’s “The Dress on Her” portrays the friendship between two young girls who stalk their teacher and the events surrounding their discovery of a terrible secret. The short film is competing for the Crystal Bear in the Generation Kplus Competition, the children’s section of the Generation Competition.

“Taiwan’s films are not often seen at international film festivals,” said acclaimed Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-hsien during a news conference Feb. 3 in Taipei City. “I hope these three can encourage others to follow in their footsteps.” The director specifically mentioned “Small Talk,” saying he has great confidence because it is true to real life and not made in a “showy” manner. “I encourage filmmakers not to place too much reliance on special effects. Be simple and authentic and you’ll stand out in the end,” he said.

In addition to promoting Taiwan’s rising stars, the Ministry of Culture has also set up a Taiwan Pavilion at the festival’s main exhibition hall. The MOC is seeking to market a total of 66 films, including 25 feature-length movies and 13 proposed films.

This is not the first time Taiwan films have been featured at the Berlin festival. “The Wedding Banquet,” directed by Academy Award winner Ang Lee, won the Golden Bear for best film in 1993. “The River,” directed by Tsai Ming-liang, won a Grand Jury Prize in 1997, followed four years later by Lin Cheng-sheng’s “Betelnut Beauty,” which won a Silver Bear.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=111182)