[New Taipei City News] “The "2024 New Taipei City International Documentary Month” has kicked off as of November 3rd. This year’s program includes four main themes, showcasing a diverse lineup across 22 screenings of 31 domestic and international documentaries. The New Taipei City Government’s Department of Information held the opening special screening at the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute today (3rd), presenting the Golden Horse Award-nominated documentary “Xixi”, followed by a post-screening discussion with director Wu Fan and her team, allowing audiences to experience and witness the touching moments firsthand.

New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan, Department of Information Director Lee Li-chen, Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute Chairman Arthur Chu, Chi Ting-huan from the Chi Po-lin Foundation, former New Taipei Documentary Awards jurors, directors of selected films, and numerous documentary industry representatives attended the opening screening, hoping to unite documentary enthusiasts through this international event based in New Taipei City.

New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan stated that the New Taipei City Government has actively promoted film and television activities for many years, reaching not only New Taipei City but extending internationally. Each year, they host the New Taipei City Documentary Film Awards and International Documentary Month. This year, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the event has been expanded, taking inspiration from international film festivals and adopting a multi-location screening format. Documentaries will be shown at the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, New Taipei City Library Main Branch, Fuzhong 15 Documentary Cinema, Vieshow Cinemas Global Mall, and Banqiao Showtime Cinema.

In addition to the post-screening discussion with the “Xixi” team at the opening, Liu noted that a session of dialogue with international filmmakers will be held with two Oscar-nominated American directors—Laura Nix, nominated for Best Documentary Short, and Leo Chiang, director of “Island In Between.” A special documentary exhibition has also been planned to share the captivating charm of documentary storytelling with a wider audience.

During the discussion, director Wu Fan shared, "This is a story about friendship." She was initially captivated by Xixi when they first met on the streets of Berlin, inspiring her to document Xixi’s journey in pursuit of freedom, which turned into a seven-year project. The film’s completion owes much to the deep bond between the team and the subject, sparking profound reflections throughout the process. It is not just a portrait of Xixi but a story of mutual understanding, revealing the challenges faced by both the director and the subject.

Department of Information Director Lee Li-chen explained that this year’s Documentary Month screenings fall under four main themes: “Somebody and somebody,” “Liberty: Somewhere in Between,” “External and internal growth,” and “2024 New Taipei City Documentary Film Awards. ”In total, 31 selected  documentaries from Taiwan and abroad will be available for free screenings.

Lee also highlighted that the opening film, “Xixi”, and the closing film, “After the Snowmelt," are both Golden Horse Award nominees for Best Documentary this year. "After the Snowmelt” is an extended film derived from "Afterwards,” a 2018 New Taipei City Documentary Film Award-selected short, inviting audiences to support documentary films and broaden their global perspectives.

The New Taipei City Government’s Department of Information invites everyone to visit the New Taipei City Library Main Branch from November 4 to November 10 to view a special exhibition centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Come and experience the sustainable development values conveyed through New Taipei City’s documentaries. For detailed screening schedules and more information on New Taipei City’s documentary series, visit the official website (https://www.doc.ntpc.gov.tw) or search for “感動，無所不在！” on Facebook.

For more details please contact Department of Information at New Taipei City Government:

Lin Ya-Chi (林雅智) Phone Number：02-2960-3456 ext. 6100

Chou Yi-Hsuan (周宜璇) Phone Number ：02-2960-3456 ext. 6102