The exclusive screening of the 25-minute high-definition film, which was attended by GIO Minister Johnny C. Chiang, Wang Jyn-ping, president of the Legislative Yuan, Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, president of Sao Tome and Pricipe, and a number of representatives from ROC diplomatic allies, is the first event in a weekend of festivities marking ROC National Day Oct. 10.
“Food says a lot about who we are: it is our be all and end all. If you want to understand the ROC and its people, then getting to know our food is essential,” Chiang said during his opening address.
Pedro Yuan, director general of the GIO Audio-Visual Materials Department, said his people have produced a visual smorgasbord showcasing Taiwan’s world-class food culture. “Taiwan’s tasty treats are the perfect ambassadors for heightening awareness of the history, culture and people that made the country the gourmet paradise it is today.”
Featuring food items from across Taiwan, including peanut brittle from Kinmen County, brown sugar cake from Penghu County and pineapple cake from Taichung County, the film presents Taiwan’s most-loved traditional dishes in all their gustatory glory.
According to the GIO, the documentary will be distributed to ROC embassies and Taiwan’s representative offices worldwide. Screenings are to be staged in conjunction with food promotion events that allow people to experience the true taste of Taiwan.
Yuan sees the film as an important part of the government’s drive to internationalize local gourmet food and push the nation’s diverse culture into the global spotlight.
“President Ma Ying-jeou has made taking Taiwan’s food to the world a policy priority,” he said. “This documentary will help realize his goal of letting the world savor Taiwan’s cuisine.”
The film follows hot on the heels of the GIO’s award-winning offerings “Let’s be Friends,” “Sharing Taiwan with the World,” “Taiwan’s Innovative Gene” and “Tradition Meets Modernity: New Energy for Taiwanese Music.” All of the documentaries won Platinum Remi Awards at September’s Houston International Film Festival.
“The GIO has an international reputation for producing high-quality documentaries that take the spirit of Taiwan to the world,” Yuan said. “Our current offering follows in the same vein and we expect it will also be well received.”
Yuan urged viewers from around the globe to keep in mind that the film captures only a small part of Taiwan’s cuisine culture.
“The best way to truly experience our unique food is to come to Taiwan and taste it in person,” he said. “There is no finer culinary destination and the hospitality and friendliness of the people is second to none.”
Write to John Scott Marchant at js_marchant@mail.gio.gov.tw