Italian
Volos Films introduces a fresh slate at Taiwan Creative Content Fest
A fusion of cultures and stories
At the heart of the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF), Volos Films has announced an exciting lineup of feature films and documentaries that promise to captivate audiences with a rich blend of diverse narratives and cultural contexts.
Spotlight on feature films
One of the most anticipated entries is “Polaris”, directed by Yamanaka Yoko, renowned for her previous work “Desert of Namibia,” which graced the screens at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight. “Polaris” takes place in a Tokyo bar, weaving together the lives of women from varied backgrounds in a compelling narrative that explores their intersecting destinies. Volos’s first co-production with Japan, this project is supported by a team of producers including Chang Chuti, Chuma Kusuke, Mao Okuno, and Stefano Centini. For more on this intriguing feature, visit the Polaris trailer.
Another highlight is Stefanos Tsai’s “Sunshower”, a poignant story of a Chinese-American man visiting his dementia-stricken grandmother, who confuses him with her first love. This emotionally charged film is produced by Jonathan Hsu, with executive production by Centini. The storyline promises to resonate deeply with audiences through its exploration of family bonds and memory.
Diving into documentaries
In the documentary section, Hong Kong director Frankie Sin unveils “Nomads of the Island”, a film delving into his family’s fishing legacy and their migration to Taiwan. Sin’s previous work, “Another Home,” was awarded the BIFF Mecenat Award at Busan 2024, setting high expectations for this latest endeavor. The documentary is produced by Chiu Ping-Yu and Centini, with executive production by Peter Yam and Huang Hui-Chen.
Also of note is Joseph Mangat’s “Pony Boys”, which follows young horse handlers navigating the mountain tourism industry in the Philippines. Produced by Alember Ang and Stefano Centini, this documentary captures the essence of local culture and the challenges faced by the youth in precarious occupations. Dive into the lives of these resilient individuals by watching the Pony Boys trailer.
New projects and industry workshops
Through the TAICCA x Produire au Sud Workshop, director Wang Chun-Hong presents “Midnight Inn,” a gripping tale set during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, centered on a night-shift hotel worker, recently gained attention at Rome’s MIA market and is produced by Chiu. For more insights into this project, check out the Midnight Inn trailer.
Volos Films will also showcase two projects at the upcoming Golden Horse FPP Project market:
- “The Fundamentals”, a Taiwan-set drama series helmed by Yeo Siew Hua, praised for his Venice competition title “Stranger Eyes.” This co-production with Akanga Film Asia promises a deep dive into personal and societal dynamics.
- “The Songs Within Us”, a documentary by Elvis A-Liang Lu, a Grand Prize winner at the Taipei Festival, recently displayed at Cannes Docs, Gotham Week, and Ji.Hlava.
Building international bridges
Since establishing its Italian office in 2022, Volos has actively pursued Asian-Italian co-productions, including significant projects like Lav Diaz’s “Essential Truths of the Lake” and Dechen Roder’s “I, The Song”, a competitor in the Tallinn Critics’ Pick.
The company’s Italian slate features projects in various stages of development, such as:
- Andrea Benjamin Manenti’s debut “I Have to Fuck Before the World Ends”
- Kenneth Dagatan’s “Molder”, a co-production with the Philippines’ Epicmedia
- Felipe Galvez’s “Impunity”
In production are:
- “On the Serbian Border” by Federico Cammarata and Filippo Passarini
- “Heads or Tails” directed by Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis, co-produced with Ring Film, Cinema Inutile, and RAI
- “Death Has No Master” by Jorge Thielen Armand, recently showcased at Venice’s Gap-Financing Market and TIFFCOM
Embracing a dual heritage
Stefano Centini expresses a compelling vision for Volos Films:
“As we build a stronger slate for the Italian company with European-centered themes, it’s crucial to maintain our roots in Asian independent cinema. Supporting emerging voices and their unique stories remains a priority, especially in these challenging times.”
Chiu echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of local filmmakers in the global scene:
“With the Taiwanese film industry globalizing, it’s an ideal time to showcase filmmakers with distinct visions. Films like “Midnight Inn”, directed by Wang Chun-Hong, epitomize this global appeal.”
Chang Chuti adds, highlighting “Polaris” as a milestone:
“This collaboration with Yoko and the 21 First Century team is our first Taiwanese-Japanese co-production. Adapted from Li Kotomi’s book, this film symbolizes the perfect synergy between Taiwan and Japan.”
Stay informed about these trailblazing projects and follow our updates on social media for more insights into the evolving world of cinema.
