Director
對一般讀者來說，今日看到這三個條目，不免會感受到相當地陌生與格格不入的時代感。然而在當時，1954年成立的創世紀詩社，不免與今日的形象不同，在當時政府肅殺的口號中——「一年準備，二年反攻，三年掃蕩，五年成功」——創立時很快就跟著腳步踏上了臺灣內部的主旋律。1955年1月蔣介石提出「戰鬥文藝」並在隔年在國⋯⋯
The documentary seeks to use film as a medium to preserve and share the lives and legacies of prominent Chinese-language writers. Guided by each director’s unique cinematic language, these films transform literary masters into cinematic texts—introducing their voices to new generations of readers. The project goes beyond archival preservation. It aims to reveal how these authors and their works continue to move and inspire, carrying powerful resonance through the shifting tides of history—ultimately becoming a literary and cultural heritage for future generations.
What is Taiwan? What does Taiwan have? Our imagination of Taiwan’s future depends on how we choose to read Taiwan. The Taiwanese documentaries selected by Giloo aim to offer a multifaceted and in-depth perspective—allowing us to empathize with the struggles and efforts of the Taiwanese people, uncover the richness of this land, confront its challenges, and analyze the issues that shape life on this island.
Why do we write? When words erupt from the mind and pour into the heart, images and monologues take the place of daily tedium—of the mundane, the irritating, the unbearable. For some writers, however, writing is more than expression; it is salvation. It is an unshakable calling. In this themed selection on literature, Giloo presents documentaries that delve into the lives and inner worlds of writers—poets, novelists, critics—who wield pens (or typewriters) like swords, fearlessly confronting the truths of the world. The passage of time leaves behind not just pages, but marks of introspection—quiet yet undeniable badges of their creative journey.
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.
In Taipei, literature is free—and always has been. Precisely because literature has no fixed answers or interpretations, its boundaries are omnipresent throughout life. What we need, perhaps, is a pair of wild eyes—to confront directly or approach obliquely the myriad forms of literature. Lo Fu pioneered a new landscape in Chinese poetry with his unique narrative style; director Chen Yu-hsun cultivated a distinctive Taiwanese romance with his focus on ordinary people and fantastical black comedies; performance art godmother Marina Abramović, fashion maverick Alexander McQueen, and acclaimed director Emir Kusturica all unleashed their thoughts from their bodies, transforming them into immortal art itself. Even a farm can become a rock base, mind-bending animated masterpieces, with minds ready to blossom. The Taipei Literature Festival presents a selection of 7 works, inviting you to freely roam and unearth the vibrant literary energy within visual storytelling.