Taiwanese short film "Tank Fairy (桶裝仙女)" was awarded the Best Narrative Short Award at the 46th Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the world’s largest showcase of queer cinema, on June 26 in the US.
Directed by a queer American filmmaker Erich Rettstadt, "Tank Fairy" tells a story of a lonely ten-year-old who dreams of dancing and drag, and the boy embarks on a journey to explore gender identity after meeting a drag queen who is also a gas worker. The film features a Chinese-language cover of the 1980s hit "Holding Out For A Hero," produced by Taiwanese electronica artist/DJ Sonia Calico and performed by indigenous Paiwanese singer/actor Utjung Tjakivalid.
Erich obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production from New York University and Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California before moving to Taiwan. In the summer of 2020, he began developing "Tank Fairy" in close collaboration with members of Taiwan's LGBTQ community, including his partner Tai Chin and lead actress Marian, one of Taiwan's most recognizable drag artists and transgender performers. Through the Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, Erich said, "I am really honored to receive the Best Narrative Short Award. I was inspired by members of Taiwan's LGBTQ community and worked closely with them on this film. I would like to share this award with the talented actors and film crew. I appreciate Frameline's efforts in highlighting the outstanding performance of Taiwan’s LGBTQ artists."
In addition to screening at Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, "Tank Fairy" has also been selected for several film festivals such as Santa Barbara International Film, SXSW Music Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, and the film is slated to premiere in Taipei in August. Currently, Erich plans to make this short into a series.