FAPA - Important Issues

FAPA YPG

Taiwan Movies Project

臺灣影片項目

FAPA YPG is proud to provide student organizations with access to films on Taiwan through the “Taiwan Movies Project.” The purpose of the project is to educate students and the public about Taiwan from a variety of perspectives on various topics. Students and student organizations may “rent” films and have films sent to their school—much like “Netflix.” But best of all, participation is free!

Instructions:

1. Browse through the films we have in stock and simply send an email to movies@ypg.fapa.org with the following information:

a. Your name

b. School

c. Organization Name (if you are renting on behalf of a student organization)

d. Mailing address to which the films should be sent

e. The names of the films you plan on renting

f. Approximate date or dates you plan on showing the films

g. Estimated total number of persons who will view the films

2. FAPA requests that a $10 safety deposit be made for each film that is rented to replace lost and damaged DVDs. Deposits are returned upon safe return of DVDs.

a. We will email you with a PayPal deposit request.

b. Once the deposit is received, the films will be shipped the next business day.

3. FAPA also asks that the individual or student organization help promote FAPA by passing out informational flyers to audiences when showing the films. FAPA will provide copies of the flyers. An electronic copy of the flyer may be viewed here .

4. When you’re finished with the films, simply send back the DVDs using the return envelope provided. It’s that easy!

Film Library:

All films are in DVD format for the US region unless otherwise stated. By renting the films, the individual or organization takes all responsibility in obeying copyright laws associated with the films.

Let It Be 無米樂

Let It Be is documentary on the daily lives of Taiwan’s rice farmers. Hear how these farmers cope with nature, modernization, and their spouses in an honest and oftentimes comical way. The interviews with the rice farmers are mostly in Taiwanese (Southern Min) and the film also highlights many traditional beliefs and cultural practices that have remained unchanged in Taiwanese farming communities for generations. This film is great for looking at Taiwan from an often-ignored and quickly vanishing vantage point: from the muddy shoes of a dedicated rice farmer.

Rating: ☺☺☺☺

Time: 110 min.

Genre: Documentary

Language: Mandarin, Southern Min, English subtitles

View: Front Cover | Back Cover

Jump! Boys 翻滾吧!!男孩

Prepare to laugh a lot when you see Jump! Boys, a light-hearted documentary on the experiences of a youth gymnastics team. Watch how a group of children cry, laugh, and train with their coach who’s hard on the outside but soft on the inside. There’s a lot of silliness as well as inspiration throughout the film. Also prepare to be amazed by the acrobatic skills and flexibility of these kids.

Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺

Time: 85 min.

Genre: Documentary

Language: Mandarin, English subtitles

View: Front Cover | Back Cover

The Rhythm in Wulu Village 霧鹿高八度

The Rhythm in Wulu Village documents the struggle facing many indigenous Taiwanese peoples trying to preserve their unique culture in the face of modernization and the predominant Han culture on Taiwan. The film tracks how the Bunun people of Wulu Village attempt to preserve their culture through music; watch how Aboriginal children learn to sing in their Bunun language to maintain their identity. The film is stoic but leaves viewers with a sense of urgency and concern for preserving a unique and dying culture. This film is for anyone who wants to learn more about the somber realities facing Taiwan’s indigenous peoples.

Rating: ☺☺☺☺

Time: 75 min.

Genre: Documentary

Language: Mandarin, English subtitles

View: Front Cover | Back Cover

Taipei’s Bohemians 台北波希米亞

As the title suggests, Taipei’s Bohemians is a look at Taiwan’s community of thespians and part-time thespians of modern theater. The documentary is about the lives of very artsy people. Those who have a hard time appreciating modern art will find the film a little too exotic to be enjoyable. Those who love modern art and are interested in living an “artsy” lifestyle may find the film fascinating.

Rating: ☺☺

Time: 55 min.

Genre: Documentary

Language: Mandarin, English subtitles

View: Front Cover | Back Cover

In 1943, Taiwanese artist Huang Qing-cheng (黃清埕) was returning to Taiwan from Japan where he studied art when an American submarine torpedoed his Japanese liner as the liner approached Keelung (基隆) harbor in Taiwan. Huang was one of hundreds who died when the liner sank. The Strait Story recounts the short life of Huang through the experiences of Xiu Xiu (琇琇), a professional art restorer who becomes fascinated with Huang’s art and his personal history when a client asks her to restore works of art by Huang. Xiu Xiu becomes obsessed with finding the identities of the women in Huang’s paintings and sculptures—even while she copes with a debilitating disease and an unstable relationship with her boyfriend. The movie switches back and forth between Taiwan’s past and present, exposing the audience to a rich mix of Southern Min, Japanese, and Mandarin dialogue.