Diamond Marine World

With 20 years of shrimp farming expertise in Taiwan, Du ventured to Myanmar, unaware of the challenges ahead—white powders and guns. Sue, a Burmese-Chinese woman with shrimp farming dreams, married Jojo and took over her father's farm. United by ambition, Du and Sue aimed to create a 'Diamond Marine World'.

'Taiwan is close to Mainland Southeast Asia. A lot of Southeastern Asian labourers come to work in Taiwan. Taiwanese people often look at economically disadvantaged Southeast Asian countries through estranged, discriminatory glasses. I traveled along the Mekong River through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam for three months in 2015. During that time, I met many Taiwanese people working away from home and became curious about their work and lives in Southeast Asia.

'In Diamond Marine World, the chef from Taiwan, "Du," with his Burmese employees, "Sue," and "Jojo," work together for an opportunity to become rich. Each of them made their sacrifices and choices in the quest for success. They have also lost their trust due to inner demons and conflicts. What is the definition of success in different cultures and systems of values? To become wealthy or to live in the present? In this film, I think the audience can eventually catch sight of humanity and understand this estranged country, Myanmar.' - HUANG Hsiu-yi