2021 TAIWANfest, which will be launched on Aug. 27 and Sep. 2 in Toronto and Vancouver, respectively, will continue the dialogue with Asia Series (與亞洲對話), Re-Think Asia (翻轉亞洲) to offer more than 20 online programs, in addition to an in-person concert and exhibition in Vancouver.
Each year, TAIWANfest attracts more than ten thousand attendees. This year, TAIWANfest offers a great variety of programs, starting with the opening ceremony, which includes the Opening Concert, led by the conductor, Maestro Ken Hsieh (謝建得), and the TAIWANfest Orchestra (台灣文化節交響樂團).
Other online programs include a song titled "Healing for Damaged Emotions (傷癒)" that a Taiwanese musician, Suana Emuy Cilangasay (蘇瓦那), and a Cree Artist, Kent Monkman, co-wrote to call upon all Taiwanese to reflect on lessons from Canada.
In Cultures Fermented (文化發酵), illustrator Cheng Chin-wen (鄭景文) believes that the theme provides a very interesting contrast, which is fully and exquisitely expressed in his artwork.
Hope Talks (希望講堂) invites many Taiwanese experts on arts and culture to share their views of different aspects of Taiwan, such as "Taiwan, A View with South Korea in Mind (從另一個方向看台灣和韓國的對照)," in which Rex How (郝明義) uses his insight as a publisher and author to introduce seven books to guide audiences through an understanding of the differences between Taiwan and South Korea, their people, and their futures.
In "Mountains, Seas, and Plains (山海原)," Chairman of the Chen Cheng-Po Cultural Foundation (陳澄波文化基金會), Chen Li-Po (陳立栢), tells his grandfather’s story and gets to know Taiwan through the island’s natural beauty.
Filming for "Small Talk (日常對話)," from Taiwanese Film Director Huang Hui-chen (黃惠偵), provides the opportunity for her mother and herself to face the unspoken past and mend their relationship in order to start anew.
"May Sea Turtles be with you... Always (平安龜)," by Taiwanese Film Director, Ke Chin-yuan (柯金源), addresses environmental issues.
There are also a few in-person programs, including “Rethink Asia, Dialogue through Comedy (站立喜劇)” at Annex Theater (溫哥華美術館) and the aforementioned Cultures Fermented at the Vancouver Art Gallery in North Plaza.
For further information and links, please visit www.TorontoTaiwanFest.ca and
www.VancouverTaiwanFest.ca.