An exhibition exploring the intersection of literature, film and television is underway at the National Museum of Taiwan Literature until Nov. 23 in the southern city of Tainan, according to the Ministry of Culture.
Titled “Rewriting the Script: Unexpected Twists in Taiwan Literature and Screen Media,” the exhibit features 100 artifacts, 71 television and film works and 10 songs, Chen Ying-fang, director of NMTL, said during the opening ceremony April 1. She added that the exhibition includes interactive activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
The MOC said that “Rewriting the Script” is organized chronologically, first taking visitors back to black-and-white silent movies in the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), then leading them on a journey through the postwar boom of films in Taiwanese, the Chiung Yao-inspired romantic movies in the 1960s and popular martial arts films in the 1970s.
The 1980s saw the rise of the Taiwan New Wave that pioneered new cinematic forms and narrative styles, the ministry said, citing films like “Growing Up” and “The Sandwich Man” adapted from stories by Chu Tien-wen and Huang Chun-ming. Many works focusing on youth and female growth were also adapted, which have strongly influenced modern TV series including “A Boy Named Flora A” and “The Making of an Ordinary Woman,” it added.
According to the MOC, while literary adaptations in early days remained faithful to their original texts, advancements in filmmaking technology and the expansion of global streaming platforms into Taiwan have empowered contemporary works to subvert traditional styles in favor of blending bold creativity while retaining local cultural characteristics. The ministry said the combination is key to attracting audiences and increasing access to the international market.
Minister of Culture Li Yuan expressed his support for the exhibition by donating items from his personal collections related to the documentary “Our Time Our Story: 20 Years’ New Taiwan Cinema,” the MOC said. The NTML is also collaborating with the New Taipei City-based Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute to hold several screenings and seminars during the event, the ministry added. (YCH-E)