Ruifang readies for Scorsese film shoot

2015-02-06

New Taipei City’s Ruifang District in northern Taiwan is set to host filming for “Silence,” the latest cinematic offering by legendary U.S. director Martin Scorsese.

Temporary wooden scaffolding has been sighted near a trail linking the historic copper and gold mining town of Jinguashi with Shuangxi District. The trail was once used by imperial couriers during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), later becoming a popular mountain hiking trail.

A Ruifang resident said locals are excited by the Hollywood project and look forward to seeing their scenic surrounds on the silver screen. “Our lush vegetation and rugged mountains are truly spectacular and leave a lasting impression on all who visit.”

Scorsese, who is also filming in Taipei and Taichung cities, chose Taiwan on the recommendation of Oscar-winning director Ang Lee. The country provides a perfect backdrop for the film about two 17th century Jesuit priests traveling to Japan to locate their mentor and spread the gospel.

“Silence,” starring Liam Neeson and Andrew Garfield, is the second major overseas production to be shot in Taiwan over the past 12 months. In October last year, French director Luc Besson filmed scenes for “Lucy,” a sci-fi movie featuring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman.

Ruifang is also home to another area with celluloid credentials. Jiufen, a postcard-perfect hillside gold mining village famed for traditional Japanese-style buildings and views of the East China Sea, has starred in numerous productions over the years.

It is perhaps best known for 1987’s “Dust in the Wind” and 1989’s “City of Sadness” by local director Hou Hsiao-hsien, as well as 2014’s “The Crossing” by Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo. Jiufen also served as inspiration for 2001 animated fantasy film “Spirited Away” by Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki.

“Movies have helped us to appreciate the beauty of our district and we look forward to playing a part in sharing this with the world,” the resident said. “And if we get to play extras in the process, then this is the icing on the cake.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=227197&CtNode=413)