2016
Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TI
國際競賽｜台灣競賽提名
國際競賽｜台灣競賽提名
For most people, “home” naturally refers to the place one returns to each day—a space of comfort and rest for both body and soul. Yet for many around the world, the feeling of having a home is unimaginable. At some point in their lives, they were forced to leave—because of war, politics, or simply in pursuit of a better life—and began a journey of drifting, searching for a new sense of home. While trying to settle and take root, they continue to yearn for the ghost of a homeland left behind. Can this new home ever replace what was lost? Faced with new identities and unfamiliar neighbors, how do they perceive themselves? Have they become someone new, or are they destined to remain like rootless water plants, adrift?
What is Taiwan? What does Taiwan hold? The answer depends on how we understand its transformations. Giloo presents a curated selection of ten documentaries tracing Taiwan’s political evolution—offering multifaceted, in-depth perspectives on the island’s past and present. Through these films, we witness the struggles and resilience of the Taiwanese people, uncover the richness of the land, confront long-standing issues, and face the challenges that continue to shape Taiwan’s identity today.
Unheard wishes. Unanswered cries. “Who cares? We’re just the ones left behind.” In the margins of society, lives unfold far from the spotlight. This is an invitation—not to save, but to witness. To step into the shadows, and truly see.
The rights protected by the two covenants are vast and far-reaching—so much so that even if we narrated them like a modern-day One Thousand and One Nights, we might still never finish. And yet, there’s so much we want to say, and only so much we can say. From refugees and the principle of non-refoulement, to inclusive education for persons with disabilities; from climate change and the right to adequate food, to Losheng Sanatorium and the fight against forced eviction; from state violence to transitional justice—these layered issues form a dense, interwoven fabric. Even if we only manage to capture fleeting glimpses, we still hope that through each human rights film festival, and through every note we take along the way, we can preserve a few shimmering fragments of truth. Together, we may begin to outline the most vivid and realistic images of human rights. Don’t forget: After watching any film in this program, be sure to complete the survey. It’s not just a way to deepen your understanding of the human rights themes linked to the covenants—it’s also your chance to enter our prize draw!
Men and women who leave their hometowns to make a living in Kabukicho, a surreal life that unfolds after a same-sex wedding, Amis people fishing for baby eels in the depths of night, a band using music to challenge the system… Through innovative short documentaries, filmmakers capture vivid portraits of people and moments in contemporary society. Join Giloo in diving into the heart of these issues, broadening your perspective, and exploring the rich diversity of today’s world.