Sundance Asia lights up Taipei: A celebration of cinema and creativity
The vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan, has become the epicenter of cinematic brilliance as Sundance Asia officially kicks off. Over the next five days, the festival will showcase 15 feature films and six shorts, with Taiwanese American filmmaker Sean Wang’s “Didi” taking the spotlight as the opening night selection.
A night to remember: The opening ceremony
Before the much-anticipated premiere of “Didi”—a film that has already garnered accolades for its ensemble cast and audience appeal—the Legacy Taipei hosted a dazzling opening ceremony gala. The event was a melting pot of Hollywood creatives and local talents, including notable figures like Nina Yang Bongiovi (producer of “Fancy Dance”), Lawrence Sher (cinematographer of “Joker 2”), Brendan Bellomo (director of ”Porcelain War”), and Caroline Lindy (director of “Your Monster”). The presence of Taiwanese stars such as Esther Liu, Chen Yi-Wen, Hank Chen, and Aviis Zhong added a local flavor to the international gathering.
Jetlag and camaraderie: The festival’s unique charm
With many attendees flying in from far-flung cities like Toronto and Los Angeles, the festival’s opening night was a blend of jetlag survival tips and spontaneous adventures. Sean Wang and “Little Death” director Jack Begert were spotted skateboarding through the streets of Taipei at 4 a.m., while others explored local 7-11 stores or relied on Red Bull to keep their energy levels high. As the crowd of over 250 people gathered for the screening of “Didi,” the air was thick with excitement and anticipation.
Bridging cultures: The evolution of Sundance Asia
Since its inception in 2016, Sundance Asia has grown exponentially, offering more screenings, panels, and workshops each year. The festival aims to create a bridge between Hollywood veterans and local filmmakers, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the first time the festival is being held in Taiwan.
Kim Yutani, the Sundance Institute’s program director, expressed her enthusiasm onstage, saying, “The 2023 Sundance Film Festival: Asia was held in Taiwan for the first time, and we discovered that Taiwan has a strong event capability and production power. We also hope to foster more exchanges with independent filmmakers in Asia and around the world. I look forward to interacting with everyone in Taipei.”
Master panels and workshops: A focus on innovation
This year’s festival features 14 master panels and workshops, with a special emphasis on the AI panel. The Sundance Asia short film competition is another highlight, showcasing six shortlisted works selected by Sundance Film Festival curators and guest judges, including actors Wu Ke-Xi and Nina Wu, and producer Wang Si-Jing from “Take Me to the Moon.”
During the opening ceremony, the jury prize for best short film, presented by Gold House, was awarded to “Suo Jiang” by production designer-turned-director Lin Chien-yu. Gold House co-founder Bing Chen was present to bestow the award, which included NT$50,000 and admission to the Gold House membership.
Conversations that matter: Insights from industry leaders
Later this week, a conversation moderated by Variety will feature insights from industry leaders such as Chen, Christine Yi (Gold House’s general manager of futures), Bongiovi, and director Lloyd Choi. Titled “A Filmmaker’s Creative & Financing Journey,” this discussion promises to offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of the filmmaking process.
A celebration of creativity and collaboration
As Sundance Asia unfolds from August 21-25, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to bring people together, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The festival not only celebrates the art of filmmaking but also fosters a sense of community among creators and audiences alike.
For those eager to dive deeper into the cinematic offerings, check out the trailers and information pages for some of the featured films:
As the festival continues, it promises to be a beacon of inspiration, creativity, and collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.