The Sundance Film Festival Asia is set to take place in Taiwan this August 18 – 20. This is the first time that the annual Sundance Film Festival Asia will be hosted in Taiwan, having had previous stops in Hong Kong and Indonesia, and it will celebrate and advance the impact of independent storytelling around the world. The Asia edition reflects the Sundance Institute’s goals to champion further and promote visibility for independent artists and connect with the Asian community.
The festival is set to include Sundance Film Festival Asia’s annual short film competition for Taiwanese filmmakers, providing a unique opportunity for emerging local talent to showcase their films on an international platform. Short film submissions will be assessed by a jury of representatives from the Sundance Institute, with a selection of shorts chosen to screen at Sundance Film Festival Asia and a winner to be announced at the opening gala. The winner will receive a $50,000 NTD cash prize.
Commenting on the festival, Joana Vicente, CEO of Sundance Institute, said, “We are thrilled to partner to bring the next edition of Sundance Film Festival Asia to Taiwan. We look forward to celebrating independent film in Taiwan and bringing visibility to local emerging storytellers through our short film contest, especially considering the rich history of Taiwanese Cinema.”
Kevin Lin, Co-Founder of G2Go Entertainment, added, “Taiwan’s dynamic local film and television industry has captivated an ever-growing international audience, witnessing remarkable success at prestigious global festivals and on global platforms. In addition, Taiwan is a filmmaker’s paradise – a culture that warmly embraces diversity and inclusivity, coupled with amazing local talent and unwavering support from the local government and industry stakeholders – positioning Taiwan as a natural host for Sundance Film Festival Asia.”
The festival is produced with the help of the Taiwan Women’s Film Association, organizers of the annual Women Make Waves Film Festival since 1993. They aim to provide a perspective on humanities and the arts through film and gender diversity. They are not only a stage for local filmmakers but also a platform for their international exposure.
Overall, the Sundance Film Festival Asia’s visit to Taiwan is set to create a unique opportunity for the film industry in the country, promoting local talent and providing a platform for them to showcase their work to a global audience.