Date: 7th – 28th November 2024
Location: Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT)
This November, Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh proudly presents Shape of Home, a special season of Taiwanese films that will take audiences on a journey through the emotional and cultural landscapes of Taiwan. Curated to showcase the complex themes of identity, family, and tradition in an ever-changing world, Shape of Home offers four powerful stories that span from drama to documentary, each providing a deeply personal and universal exploration of what home truly means.
The programme runs every Thursday from 7th to 28th November 2024 and features works from some of Taiwan’s most esteemed directors. The films delve into topics ranging from the tension between old and new values, to the quiet dignity found in daily struggles, to the warmth of family bonds even in the face of life-altering challenges. Presented in their original languages—Taiwanese, Mandarin, Hakka, and Tayal—these films celebrate Taiwan’s cultural diversity while resonating with global audiences.
Programme Highlights:
7th November: Old Fox (Dr. Hsiao Ya-Chuan, 2023, Drama, 116 mins)
In Old Fox, set in 1989 Taiwan, a young man named Liao Jie learns difficult lessons about survival as his cunning landlord takes advantage of skyrocketing property prices and the harsh realities of poverty. While he absorbs these lessons, Liao Jie’s innate empathy prevents him from becoming the man he despises, offering a poignant meditation on morality and survival in tough times.
14th November: Day Off (Dr. Fu Tien-Yu, 2023, Drama, 106 mins)
Day Off tells the story of A-Rui, a barber who has run her shop for four decades despite her children’s lack of understanding. When she is asked to travel far to cut the hair of a bedridden client, A-Rui takes a day off to honor the values of service and care instilled in her by her late master. This touching drama reflects on devotion, tradition, and the value of small but meaningful acts of kindness.
21st November: Zombie Movie with Grandpas and Grandmas (Dr. Hsu Tzo-Juo, 2023, Documentary, 86 mins)
A heartwarming and inventive documentary, Zombie Movie with Grandpas and Grandmas follows filmmaker Tzo-Juo as she makes a zombie superhero movie with her grandmother and local villagers. The project not only highlights the challenges of low-budget filmmaking but also shines a light on how creative endeavors can unite a community in the face of Alzheimer’s and dementia, demonstrating the healing power of art and love.
28th November: GAGA (Dr. Laha Mebow, 2022, Drama, 112 mins)
In GAGA, a traditional Tayal family grapples with the clash between their ancient customs and the pressures of modern life. After the patriarch passes away, the family’s future is thrown into uncertainty by a son’s political ambitions and a granddaughter’s return from abroad with her foreign boyfriend. This heartfelt drama explores how, in a world that’s rapidly changing, holding on to one’s roots becomes both a struggle and a necessity.
Quotes:
“We’re thrilled to bring Shape of Home to GFT,” said Kuan-ping Liu, curator of Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh . “Each film in this season offers a unique and deeply moving perspective on Taiwan, from the quiet strength of tradition to the challenges of a rapidly modernising society. These stories are not only relevant to Taiwan but also speak to the universal search for identity, community, and belonging.”
Tickets & Venue Information:
Tickets for all screenings are available now through the Glasgow Film Theatre website at www.glasgowfilm.org. All films will be shown in their original languages with English subtitles. For press inquiries, interviews, or more information about the Taiwan Film Season at GFT, please contact:
Press Contact:
Kuan-ping Liu
[email protected]
