The 2020 Taipei Film Festival announced its opening and closing films May 25, kick-starting the event with the work of a burgeoning new talent and ending with an award-winning picture by one of the most renowned Second New Wave directors in Taiwan.
The festival will open June 25 with the world premiere of “The Silent Forest,” director Ko Chen-nien’s feature film debut. Adapted from real events, the story begins with a hearing-impaired teenager’s discovery of a girl being bullied in the back of a school bus and goes on to explore the issue of sexual assault on campus.
Wrapping up the event July 11 is “Days,” the latest work by acclaimed director Tsai Ming-liang. The film captures the chance encounter of two men living predictable and repetitive existences, presenting Tsai’s signature minimalist aesthetics through 46 long takes without any dialogue.
“Days,” which won the Teddy Award at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in February, has been nominated for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director and Best Actor at this year’s TFF.
According to organizers, the screenings and award ceremony will proceed in accordance with recommendations from the Central Epidemic Command Center. As foreign filmmakers are unable to attend this year, winners of the festival’s International New Talent Competition will be announced online, they added.
Launched in 1998 by Taipei City Government, TFF aims to support the homegrown film industry, promote cinema education and boost international exchanges. This year’s festival attracted 331 submissions competing for prizes in 20 categories including Best Documentary, Best Animation and Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw