The 2025 New Taipei City Documentary Film Award held its awards ceremony today (October 17). The top prize, the Chi Po-lin Documentary Award, goes to Where the Bees Belong, a film exploring the ecological crisis of bees. The second prize is awarded to Thunder and Rosy Clouds, and the third prize is The Whisper of Midwives. The newly established Special Jury Award goes to In the Prison Cell, Giving a Peace Sign.

The final jury this year was chaired by National Award for Arts recipient Huang Ming-Chun. In addition to announcing the top three winners and the Special Jury Award, the awards ceremony also presented certificates to this year's 13 outstanding works. New Taipei City Mayor Hou, Yu-Ih and Chi Po-lin Foundation President Ou, Chin-Der presented the awards and congratulated the winners.

Hou, Yu-Ih remarked that the New Taipei City Documentary Film Award, now in its 15th year, has become a vital launchpad for many filmmakers. With the addition of the Special Jury Award and increased support in funding, production, and marketing, the awards continue to serve as a strong foundation for documentary creators. In recent years, the competition has also partnered with the Chi Po-lin Foundation, allowing more audiences to rediscover Taiwan through film.

Ou, Chin-Der stated, “Let images become a vital force for environmental education advocacy.” He thanked the New Taipei City Documentary Film Award for providing a platform for filmmakers to document changes in Taiwan’s land and environment, and expressed hope that more directors will create environmental documentaries that raise public awareness of sustainability through the lens.

Huang, Ming-Chun noted that this year’s entries covered diverse themes—from personal experiences to social observation. The filmmakers demonstrated great care in storytelling, technique, and emotional expression, making each viewing not only a visual experience but also a profound journey of learning and reflection.

New Taipei City Information Department Commissioner Lee, Li-Chen added that the awards have supported over 150 films to date and continue to expand international exchanges. This year marks the first collaboration with the Vancouver Taiwanese Film Festival, where seven selected works were screened, as well as a special “New Taipei City Day” program at the Taiwan Film Festival of Boston, bringing Taiwan’s documentary culture to the global stage and showcasing the city’s cinematic vitality.

The Information Department further announced that the 2025 New Taipei City Documentary Film Award winning films will be screened free of charge at the Fuzhong 15 Documentary Cinema on weekends from October 18 to 26. The 2026 call for entries will be announced in November, with submissions opening on January 1 next year.

For more details, please visit the official website at http://www.doc.ntpc.gov.tw or follow the Facebook page “感動，無所不在”.

Winners of the 2025 New Taipei City Documentary Film Award

First Prize — Where the Bees Belong；Directed by Hsu, Chung-Yen

Second Prize — Thunder and Rosy Clouds；Directed by Sophie YiChia FU

Third Prize — The Whisper of Midwives；Directed by Li, Chih-Han

Jury Special Award — In the Prison Cell, Giving a Peace Sign；Directed by Parco WONG Lok Hang

For further information, please contact New Taipei City Information Department :

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