An Homage to Two Legends at the 14th TIDF Opening Gala 2024 Key Visual Embraces Digital Glitch Art
The Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is delighted to reveal the recipient of the prestigious "Outstanding Contribution Award" for its 14th edition: the revered 80-year-old master, CHANG Chao-tang. This accolade recognizes CHANG's profound and lasting contributions to the landscape of documentary filmmaking in Taiwan. Additionally, TIDF pays homage to the late ethnographic documentary pioneer HU Tai-li, who passed away in 2022, through the introduction of a "Special Commemoration," a first for the festival.
14th TIDF Outstanding Contribution Award - CHANG Chao-tang
The curatorial team at TIDF has selected two masterpieces by CHANG Chao-tang, The Boat-Burning Festival (1979) and Homage to Chen-Da (2000), to open the 14th iteration of the festival. The former intimately captures the enigmatic ritual of Burning the King Boat in Sucuo Village, Tainan County. Devoid of any live sound but accompanied by progressive folk music, this film is considered as one of the earliest experimental and poetic documentaries in Taiwan. Homage to Chen Da delves into the life of wandering minstrel Chen Da who traveled through the South of Taiwan, showcasing the unique oral traditions of Taitung.
TIDF Programme Director Wood LIN expresses, "CHANG Chao-tang is an inspiration to many. Despite his numerous awards in photography fields, his contributions to documentary filmmaking remain insufficiently documented. We eagerly anticipate TIDF presenting his comprehensive documentary works and pioneering vision."
The Boat-Burning Festival (1980), Homage to Chen-Da (2000)
Commencing his documentary career in 1968 at Taiwan Television (CTV), CHANG focused on documenting Taiwanese local culture. Despite the challenges during the martial law era, he explored new audiovisual presentation techniques, creating impactful works. His involvement in teaching and promoting documentary filmmaking culminated in initiating the first edition of Taiwan International Documentary Festival in 1998, laying the foundation for today's TIDF.
HU Tai-li, Songs of Pasta'ay (1988)
In addition to highlighting CHANG’s contribution, the jury members wish to dedicate a "Special Commemoration" to the late ethnographic filmmaker HU Tai-li. One of her magnum opus, Songs of Pasta'ay (1988), co-directed with LEE Daw-ming and featuring CHANG Chao-tang as the cinematographer, will be presented in the festival programme as well. Shot on 16mm film, this work captures the Pasta'ay Festival of the Paiwan tribe in 1986, ingeniously portraying the tribe's survival crisis and efforts to preserve its traditions.
Accompanying these announcements is the unveiling of the festival's key visual, designed by the longstanding collaborator, graphic designer Faye. Drawing inspiration from the short film Silent Delta by SHEN Ko-shang, she proposes a key visual that simulates contemporary digital glitch art, seamlessly integrating archival images and programming languages.
The 14th Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF), organized by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI), is scheduled to take place from May 10th to May 19th at various locations in Taipei and New Taipei City. The festival will showcase over 130 captivating local and international documentaries, marking the return of international filmmakers for the first time since the pandemic.
Alongside screenings and discussions, the festival also organized a series of lectures, performances, and extensive exhibitions to expand the perception of non-fiction storytelling in various forms. The shortlists for the Asian Vision Competition, International Competition, and Taiwan Competition will be announced on February 19th, with more programme details gradually revealed. Stay tuned to the TIDF official website, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram for updates.
