Youth-infused cinema from Taiwan to star at Berlinale

2018/02/09

A series of youth-infused cinematic works by up-and-coming directors showcasing the vibrant cultural landscape of Taiwan will take center stage at the Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale, Feb. 15-25 in the German capital.
 
 The pieces were selected on the strength of their creativity and captivating portrayal of everyday interactions and relationships, said Hsu Yi-chun, director of the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development under the Ministry of Culture. It is hoped they will help more overseas film lovers develop a taste for Taiwan cinema, she added.
 
 Two works expected to outperform at the festival are “Xiao Mei” and “14 Apples.” The former—a 95-minute drama directed by Maren Hwang—is premiering in the Panorama section, while the latter—an 85-minute documentary helmed by Midi Zhao—is screening in the Forum category.
 
“Xiao Mei” tells the story of a teenage drug addict through interviews with nine of her associates. It is one of 18 entries shortlisted for Berlinale’s prestigious GWFF Best First Feature Award and prize money of 50,000 euros (US$61,393).
 
“14 Apples” follows insomniac Wang Shin-hong on a 14-day Buddhist pilgrimage in Myanmar, Zhao’s country of birth. The thought-provoking offering examines the role of traditional religion in the Southeast Asian nation, as well as the grittier aspects of humanity.
 
 Another piece expected to turn heads is “Loma—Our Home,” a film project by Huang Hui-chen centered on the Sanying indigenous peoples community in New Taipei City. It is to be presented as part of Berlinale Talents, an annual summit and networking platform for 250 outstanding film and drama series creators.
 
 On the visual art front, “Cafe Togo” by Musquiqui Chihying will feature at the Forum Expanded Exhibition. The 27-minute video installation advances his signature theme of exploring the relationship between the human form and the social domain.
 
 Berlinale also serves as an outstanding platform for local production companies to market the country’s top animations, documentaries and features. According to the MOC, 10 firms offering 79 works will take part in the Feb. 15-23 European Film Market—one of the most highly anticipated business events at the festival.
 
 In addition, Taiwan Cinema Night hosted by Shieh Jhy-wey, head of Taipei Representative Office in Germany, is scheduled for Feb. 18 at Movenpick Hotel in Berlin. The screening lineup includes sections from “The Bold, The Corrupt, and The Beautiful,” which won best feature, leading and supporting actress at the 2017 Golden Horse Awards, and yet-to-be-released drama “Father to Son.”

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=129252)