Patrick Mao Huang unveils diverse projects at Busan ACFM

New ventures showcased at Asian Contents and Film Market

Veteran Taiwanese producer Patrick Mao Huang has revealed an exciting lineup of new projects at Busan’s Asian Contents and Film Market. His Taipei-based Flash Forward Entertainment is set to co-produce these visually compelling and narratively rich ventures, each promising a unique storytelling experience.

Deep Quiet Room: unearthing family secrets

Directed by Shen Ko-Shang, known for his work on “Two Juliets,” “Deep Quiet Room” delves into the depths of family secrets and personal tragedy. The narrative follows Ming, who grapples with the unexpected suicide of his pregnant wife, Yi-ting. In a quest to care for his grieving father-in-law, Ming uncovers devastating truths about Yi-ting’s family that cast light on her untimely death. This feature film has already garnered attention at prestigious markets including the 2022 MIA Market in Rome, the 2022 Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, and the 2020 Taipei Golden Horse FPP Project Market.

The Sleepless Girl: a thriller on the brink

François Chang makes his feature debut with “The Sleepless Girl,” a project that claimed the most creative project award at the 2019 Shanghai International Film Festival Market. The film unravels the eerie tale of a Japanese girl, who, sleepless for 17 years, finally succumbs to sleep, precipitating a global catastrophe. As a Taiwanese YouTuber stumbles upon a staggering revelation, he is thrust into a whirlwind of daunting decisions. Such an intriguing premise is set to captivate audiences yearning for high-stakes drama and imaginative storytelling.

Mothers in Transit: a documentary on disrupted dreams

The poignant documentary “Mothers in Transit” by Wei Dai and Chang Tzu-Hsiang delves into the grim realities faced by Taiwanese women seeking surrogacy in Ukraine. The documentary recently found support from TAICCA and took part in the Locarno Film Festival Pro Match Me! and the Taiwan Creative Content Fest Pitching Forum in 2022. It contrasts the dreams of parenthood against the backdrop of the Ukrainian crisis, highlighting the drastic impact of the Russian invasion on the surrogacy business, affecting both Taiwanese mothers and Ukrainian surrogates.

The Island of Shells: VR animation with a historical touch

Moving into the realm of interactive experiences, the VR project “The Island of Shells” is a collaborative directorial effort from Chang Hao-Yuan, Wei Shiue-Ying, and Ko Chia-Wen. This shadow-puppetry animation documentary is rooted in the testimony of Fred Him-San Chin, a political prisoner during Taiwan’s White Terror era in the 1970s. The narrative promises an immersive journey through a pivotal period in Taiwanese history.

Showcasing at Busan International Film Festival

Adding to his prolific portfolio, Huang also showcases three highly anticipated films at the Busan International Film Festival. The lineup includes:

“As the River Goes By” by Charles Hu, which explores the intricate dynamics of human relationships against a turbulent societal backdrop.

“Pierce” directed by Nelicia Low, presenting a raw and poignant exploration of personal identity and societal expectations.

“Tiger Stripes” by Amanda Nell Eu, a compelling narrative set to challenge conventional storytelling through its innovative approach and depth.

Reflections on industry trends

The projects unveiled by Patrick Mao Huang underscore the evolving landscape of Taiwanese cinema, emphasizing diversity in storytelling and innovation in production. These works reflect broader industry trends towards more culturally nuanced narratives and technologically integrated experiences. The move towards VR and interactive formats signals a growing interest in audience engagement through immersive storytelling techniques.

Final thoughts

These new projects not only highlight the richness of Taiwanese cinema but also serve as a testament to Patrick Mao Huang’s vision and dedication to pushing creative boundaries. With such a diverse array of stories and innovative approaches, the future of film and media in Taiwan looks incredibly promising.

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