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Taiwan-France coproduced film "Pour la France" holds commencement ceremony

  • Date:2021-12-12
Taiwan-France coproduced film 'Pour la France' holds commencement ceremony

The first Taiwan-France coproduced film "For the Country (Pour la France)" funded by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) held its production commencement ceremony in Taipei on Dec. 12, attended by director Rachid Hami, actors Karim Leklou, Shaïn Boumedine, Taiwanese actress Vivian Sung (宋芸樺), and TAICCA chairperson Ting Hsiao-ching (丁曉菁).

Under the "Taiwan's International Co-funding Program," TAICCA aims to invest in international co-productions that incorporate Taiwanese themes, Taiwanese actors in prominent roles, and are shot in Taiwan. TAICCA chairperson Ting pointed out that this is the first time a domestic partner of TAICCA has collaborated with France to shoot a film, and hopes that this will lead to the internationalization of Taiwan’s film and television industry, and thereby opening up access to the global market.

Director Rachid Hami noted that his younger brother had studied at National Taiwan University more than 10 years ago, but later passed away at a military school due to bullying back in France, thus he hopes to honor the memory of his brother by completing the film in Taipei. Hami thanked the MOC, TAICCA, and the Taipei Film Commission for their support.

The film also stars actors Karim Leklou as Ismael Saidi and Shain Boumedine as the younger brother Aissa Saidi. Leklou, who plays the elder brother, said that he expects the film to convey real emotions to the audience. Leklou specifically mentioned the cordiality and hospitality of the Taiwanese people, which makes him look forward to the subsequent filming in Taiwan.

The film is also the first film in which actress Sung only speaks English. Sung had previously flown to France to shoot other parts of the film, and expressed that she was touched by the brotherly affection in the story.

"For the Country" is set to finish and debut next year.

(Photo courtesy of TAICCA)