New Gen Drives Biz as Taiwan Sees Rise of Younger Filmmakers With Global Ambition: ‘Everything is Possible in Taiwan’
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The feature “Tales of Taipei” is a tribute to the low-pressure, culturally rich city, which has been shaped by its regional neighbors, taken in diverse peoples and distilled the multiple competing influences into a messy, happy-go-lucky morass.
Produced by Bowie Tsang and Amy Ma, the film calls on 10 directors hailing from Malaysia, France, Bhutan and Hong Kong, and Taiwanese locals Yin Cheng-han and Remii Huang to contribute.“Everything is possible in Taiwan, everything exits side by side,” says Tsang, who was born in Hong Kong. “We have old Chinese myths.
We believe in the afterlife. Churches exist side by side with temples. We are still trying to figure out how to tell our stories.”As in the film, juxtapositions exist throughout the Taiwan film industry.
Theatrical B.O. improved last year, but from a low 2022 base. Last year, Taiwan productions increased market share from 10% to nearly 16%, helping to lift the overall box office to some $240 million.But, while 2023 represented recovery and revival, the industry scarcely feels like it has fulfilled its potential.
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