Forthcoming Events
The Center will also provide information related to Taiwan studies and events hosted by Taiwanese communities.
Film Screenings and Lectures
Venue: Taiwanese American Community Center, 7838 Wilkerson Court, San Diego
Admission: free
Presented by Center for Taiwan Studies, Taiwan Academy of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles and the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, and Taiwanese American Community Center
WWII Representation in Film: From Island to Island
Synopsis
During World War II, Taiwan was part of the Japanese Empire. This documentary explores the experiences of Taiwanese soldiers, doctors, and overseas residents in Southeast Asia during that time. Using cross-generational memory dialogues, family letters, diaries, and videos, the film addresses the complexities of Taiwan's historical memory and diverse identities during that period.
Public screening
Part 1 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., February 11, Wednesday
Part 2 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., February 18, Wednesday
Director talk and Q&A
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., February 18, Wednesday
Director
Lau, Kek-Huat Malaysia-born filmmaker based in Taiwan. His debut film Boluomi competed at the Busan International Film Festival, New Currents section and Golden Horse Best New Director nominated. The project won him the Tokyo Talent Award 2015, Best Script Award in 2013 Taiwan, and was selected for La Fabrique. Cinema du monde. His documentaries won Best Documentary in Golden Horse, Taipei Film Festival, and TIDF. His short film Nia’s Door won the Best Short Film Award, and Sonje Award at the Busan International Film Festival, selected for the 38th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
Lecture by Dr. Ming-Yi Wu
Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., March 12, Thursday
Speaker
Dr. Ming-Yi Wu is a professor of Sinophone literature at National Dong Hwa University and an environmental activist. His works have garnered numerous international accolades and have been translated into over 20 languages. His novel The Man with the Compound Eyes won the Prix du livre insulaire for best fiction in French and was featured in the Berlin International Film Festival’s “Books at Berlinale”. The Magician on the Skywalk was shortlisted for the Prix Emile Guimet de Littérature Asiatique, and The Stolen Bicycle was longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2018. Wu’s literature bridges environmental advocacy with deep historical reflection, offering a distinctive and powerful voice in global contemporary fiction.
Lecture: Dramaturgical Exchange - Don't Cry, Dancing Girls
Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., April 30, Thursday
Synopsis
After years away, three sisters return to their ancestral home in Huwei, Yunlin, where relatives seem unchanged while time has quietly passed. What begins as a scramble for the house deed turns into a trial tied to their dying great-uncle’s will: whoever inherits the Song family’s Qianwang ritual troupe wins a NT$5 million prize. Forced to learn the craft, the sisters rekindle memories of their absent parents and rediscover lost family bonds. Facing love, identity, and even ghosts, they dance with their youth to cross life’s trials. The Three Sisters Who Counsel the World is a musical love letter to the land and its people.
Director
A master's graduate in film from New York University, Director Hui-Cheng (Chris) Tseng is the co-founder of VMTheater, an established theater company aimed at showcasing local culture and music from Taiwan.
Utilizing the direction of American broadway and the roots of the stories of Taiwanese families, Director Hui-Cheng Tseng revolutionized a unique production that promotes the prestige and quality of a broadway show whilst highlighting the Taiwanese identity. "Don't Cry, Dancing Girl" recieved critical acclaim, with the show being propelled into the mainstream eyes of broadway.