Remastered Taiwanese classic films return to theaters to showcase cultural soft power.

Films are not only an artistic expression of interlaced light and shadow, but also the most precious historical archives and collective memories of a nation and a land. In recent years, with the active promotion of the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, many long-sealed classic Taiwanese old films have been brought back to life through digital restoration technology and successfully made their way onto international big screens through overseas screening opportunities. From internationally acclaimed Taiwan New Wave classics to early Taiwanese-language films brimming with local vitality, these transcendent visual works are using their unique cultural charm to lead global audiences into a deeper understanding of the social landscapes and humanistic customs of Taiwan across different historical periods, allowing the world to witness Taiwan's historical depth through the big screen.

Chu Ming-jen, Chairman of the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, pointed out in an exclusive interview that film has always been the most intuitive and important medium for the international community to understand Taiwan. As Taiwan steps out into the world, cultural soft power often transcends the barriers of language and geography, touching the heartstrings of audiences from different cultural backgrounds. In particular, the booming post-war Taiwanese-language films not only recorded the history of Taiwan's early film industry, but also carried the social memories, grassroots lives, and linguistic and cultural transformations of a specific post-war era. Because the materials of early film reels are fragile and preservation and restoration work faces severe tests of time, this cultural engineering project to rescue history can be said to brook no delay.

Looking back at the history of Taiwanese cinema, Taiwanese-language films once achieved astonishing production volume and commercial prosperity during the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, countless private funds, directors, and actors poured into this industry filled with local creativity, reflecting the grassroots pulse of Taiwanese society back then. However, due to the limitations of preservation environments and the natural aging of film reel materials, many precious original Taiwanese-language films faced the crisis of damage for years. In recent years, the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute has actively invested in the digital restoration of old films. Through high-resolution scanning, digital dust removal, color restoration, and audio restoration, these originally blurry and mottled images have been made to bloom with brilliance once again, which is not only the highest tribute to filmmakers, but also safeguards important cultural assets for future generations.

Aside from Taiwanese-language films, Taiwan New Wave cinema also holds a pivotal position in the international film arena. The New Wave movement that emerged from the late 1970s to the 1980s broke previous mainstream narrative frameworks through a realist lens language, a profound care for the land, and reflection on history. It shined brightly at international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, propelling Taiwanese cinema to the peak of the world stage. Through systematic classic restoration projects, the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute has enabled these master-class works to return to international film festivals and overseas art houses in optimal image quality in contemporary times. This not only satisfies the expectations of a new generation of international film fans, but also allows the classic status of Taiwanese cinema to continue and solidify in world film history.

The overseas screenings of old films are not only celebrations of cultural exchange, but also possess profound historical and geopolitical significance. Amid a rapidly changing international situation, Taiwan's democracy, freedom, and diverse culture are receiving widespread international attention, and cultural diplomacy is often the bridge that best sparks resonance. When overseas audiences sit in theaters and witness Taiwan's decades-long social transformation, urban changes, and emotional entanglements through the images on the screen, they can transcend political frameworks and understand Taiwan's story from a human perspective. This culture-centric international dialogue not only elevates Taiwan's international visibility, but also lets the world see Taiwan's efforts and determination in preserving humanity's shared cultural heritage.

Looking to the future, the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute will continue to play the roles of guardian of Taiwanese film history and promoter of culture. The restoration and international promotion of old films is a long path that requires massive resource investment, but the cultural value and historical significance it brings are immeasurable. With the continuous advancement of digital technology and the expansion of international exchange networks, Taiwan's stories are continuously circulating on screens around the world through these freshly polished histories of light and shadow. This is not only an affectionate look back at past eras, but also an important opportunity for Taiwan's cultural confidence to step onto the international stage, allowing global audiences to see a Taiwan that is both rich and profound amidst the interlaced light and shadow.

Source of facts: Central News Agency