The Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles joins hands with the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) for the 12th year to launch "Spotlight on Taiwan (臺灣電影焦點)," an in-person and online screening of eight Taiwanese films, at the Consolidated Theatres Kahala in Hawaii, US from Nov. 3 to 27.
This year's "Spotlight on Taiwan" will present four feature films including "Goddamned Ashura (該死的阿修羅)," "Mama Boy (初戀慢半拍)," "Gaga (哈勇家)," and "Demigod: The Legend Begins (素還真)." In addition, four short films "Tank Fairy (桶裝仙女)," "To the Sea (看海)," "Swallow (喰之女)," and "Do Not Go Gentle in Taipei (臺北過手無暝無日)" will be broadcast online in the US as part of the festival’s shorts programs.
Director Lou Yi-an (樓一安) of "Goddamned Ashura" and director Arvin Chen (陳駿霖) of "Mama Boy" will attend the post-screening discussion.
The special screening film "Godmanned Ashura," which is based on actual events, will represent Taiwan for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The psychological drama explores the butterfly effect of a random shooting by a teenager through six characters while also exploring the concept of nature versus nurture when it comes to sensationalist acts of violence.
Entering its 42nd year, HIFF promotes cultural exchanges between Asia, the Pacific Islands, and North America through films. It is one of the few film festivals in the United States that attaches great importance to Asian-Pacific films and emerging directors. This year, HIFF will present 102 feature films and 124 short films from more than 30 countries. An in-person film festival will run from Nov. 3 to 20, while a streamed online screening will run from Nov. 3 to 27. The award presentation will take place on Nov. 13. To purchase film tickets and for more information, please visit HIFF’s official website.