2016
No matter where you are, not just in Taiwan, international movie fans can easily watch too! The first wave of films from emerging creators are now live in our international section. Featuring top selections from prestigious film festivals like Golden Horse Awards and Golden Harvest Awards, as well as many highly anticipated emerging works for you to explore anytime, anywhere!
Music and sound may seem fleeting, yet they leave lasting impressions in the hearts of listeners—sometimes even becoming songs passed down through time. Beyond sensory pleasure, the act of creating sound often carries a message shaped by a specific social context. Whether it is to resist mediocrity or to resonate with the land of daily life, sound conveys cultural memory and helps bring individuals together.
Some films stay with us because of their music— a great score can breathe an entirely new soul into a story. Think of your favorite movie. Chances are, the first thing that comes to mind is a melody. Giloo presents five carefully selected films that explore the creative worlds behind unforgettable film music. We hope one of them strikes a chord with you.
What Did Taiwan’s First Pop Songs Sound Like? How did a group of young people returning to the countryside turn an old tobacco-curing shed into the birthplace of a classic album? How did one small indie record label become the cradle of Taiwan’s biggest rock bands? In collaboration with Blow (吹音樂), Taiwan’s leading independent music media outlet, we've selected 9 films exploring the roots and evolution of Taiwan’s music scene—alongside a powerful documentary on Rolling Stone, the iconic U.S. music magazine born in an era of rebellion. From the golden age of modern Taiwanese pop to the rise of underground and alternative bands, these films span nearly a century of music history. For fans stuck at home and missing the thrill of live gigs, let these moving images bring you back to a time when legends were just getting started.
For those of us who love music, beyond immersing ourselves in listening and appreciation—have we ever wondered what sounds and music have gone through in their journey of development? From modern-day film sound designers to distant Cuban musicians, we trace the evolution of music back to the origins of Taiwan’s pop music in the 1930s—before it was abruptly silenced by war. We continue through the political upheavals of the 1950s, and finally return to the most intimate sound we all encounter: conversations with our family. (Photo courtesy of: Taiwan Beats)
After an eight-year hiatus, Echo is back, continuing to praise the essence of life with their beloved rock music. Yet, behind the music, each member has undergone different life experiences. Through this film selection, we aim to offer a deeper understanding of the unique Echo Band. Literature, North Korea, and Ryuichi Sakamoto are all keywords that each band member has embraced. Through these visual records, you'll also get a glimpse into the members' private film preferences.
I want to understand the why, the when, and the how behind these people and these stories. The more we know, the clearer we become about what we want—or don’t want—and where we’re headed. For me, knowing is a form of pleasure.