The SOAS Center of Taiwan Studies (CTS) held the seventh edition of its February Film Week from Feb. 10 to 12, holding five screenings and three talks over the course of three days. The curated lineup of films include two classic Taiwanese-language films, "Encounter at the Station" and "Six Suspects," and three indigenous-focused contemporary films, "Panya," "Lokah Laqi," and "Pakeriran."
Three special guests were also invited to lead different discussions on Taiwanese-language films, otherwise known as Taiyupian. The topics delved into the politics and society of early Taiwan, the diversity and hybridization in the Taiyupian genre, and how the current strengths and weaknesses of Taiwanese society were present in retro cinema.
The SOAS Center of Taiwan Studies (CTS) has also been active in raising awareness for indigenous issues these years, including a collaborative screening of "Long Time no Sea" with the Native Spirit Film Festival in London last October.
To further extend people's interest and discussion, CTS also chose another three indigenous films from the Taiwan Cinema Toolkit for the event and invited Dr. Chen Pin-chuan, the former director of Taiwan Film Institute, to introduce "Parkeriran" before the screening and hold a post-event Q&A. The feedback was highly engaging and positive.
From the early Taiwanese films known as Taiyupian to the contemporary cinema of Taiwan, the program was a great platform for people to learn about the diversity of Taiwan cinema.
Read the original press release from the Taiwan Film Institute here: https://www.tfi.org.tw/News/NewContent?PageId=1562
Follow the SOAS Center of Taiwan Studies for more Taiwan-focused events in the London area: https://www.soas.ac.uk/taiwanstudies/events/index.php?nd=2020-01-01&view=year&past=1