Taiwanplus has released an exclusive documentary on Taiwan-based Malaysian director Tsai Ming-liang (蔡明亮). Titled "The Pursuit of a Cinematic Dream," the documentary offers a unique perspective on Tsai’s directorial philosophy.
Tsai is one of the most celebrated film directors in the Taiwanese New Wave Cinema, a film movement that began in the 1980s in Taiwan's film industry following the lifting of martial law.
Filmed in Tsai's home in Taipei, the documentary reflects Tsai’s personal relationship with films and explores his way of transforming personal experiences into cinematic language. Speaking of the evolution of his style, Tsai feels that his filming approach is changing. He has "started to think of it more like painting" and this is also how he has been viewing the world.
TaiwanPlus Acting CEO Michael Yu believes that Tsai's films offer an authentic glimpse into Taiwan's culture and he is honored to have Tsai's documentary premiere on TaiwanPlus. "His honest perspective and keen artistic eye are a cornerstone of Taiwanese film." Tsai's minimalist art-house films, heavily influenced by directors from European New Wave cinema, have been widely praised by film critics both in Taiwan and abroad.
Starting next month, several of Tsai's work will be available on TaiwanPlus. The lineup includes "Rebels of the Neon God (青少年哪吒)," Tsai's debut film, "Vive L'Amour (愛情萬歲)," winner of the Gold Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, and "The River (河流)," which won the Silver Bear-Special Jury Prize award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The documentary is free to watch on Taiwanplus.