French filmmaker Jean-Robert Thomann has officially been granted ROC (Taiwan) citizenship in recognition of his outstanding contributions to documenting the country.
A Taiwan-France Cultural Awards winner last year, 48-year-old Thomann was awarded for his catalog of films showcasing the country’s traditional cultural and social landscapes.
Inspired by prominent Taiwan directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien, Tsai Ming-liang and Edward Yang, the Frenchman first arrived in Taipei City in 1996 to visit the setting for many of his idols’ movies. He began making documentaries about life in Taiwan covering topics such as local opera, hand puppetry, calligraphy, and indigenous music as well as the country’s presidential elections.
He decided to permanently settle in Taipei in 2009 and has so far completed 16 documentaries and two feature films.
After hearing the news, Thomann said he was extremely happy and grateful to share in Taiwan’s diverse and inclusive society. He will continue exploring the country’s culture through his films while advising the next generation of local talent, he added.
Thomann also said he looks forward to participating in Taiwan’s democracy as a citizen, adding that he hopes the country can safeguard its free and democratic way of life going forward.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 111 new citizens have been naturalized under amendments to the Nationality Act promulgated in 2016 enabling foreigners meeting certain conditions to retain their original nationality. These include possessing high-level professional skills in the fields of art, culture, economics, education, sports or technology, or having made exceptional contributions to the country’s development. (YCH-E)
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