The Taiwan Take 44. Academy Awards nominated documentary about Taiwan: S. Leo Chiang (director of “Island in Between”)
10 snips
Mar 15, 2024 S. Leo Chiang, a Taiwanese filmmaker and co-founder of the Asian American Documentary Network, discusses his Oscar-nominated short documentary, Island in Between. He captures Taiwan's identity through Kinmen, a frontline in the Taiwan-China tension. Chiang shares his journey from being a 'parachute kid' to navigating multiple identities as Taiwanese and American. He also explores the challenges of promoting a documentary within a geopolitical context and highlights the growing efforts to preserve local heritage amid modernization.
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Episode notes
Oscar Nomination Surprise
- S. Leo Chiang recalls learning about his Oscar nomination while trying to stay casual at a flea market in Portugal.
- The moment was a significant milestone, marking over 20 years of dedication to documentary filmmaking.
Emotional Taiwan Storytelling
- Taiwan's international image is often limited to geopolitical context involving China and the US.
- Chiang wanted to offer an emotional, personal perspective on Taiwanese life during a time of increased global attention.
Kinmen's Unique Identity
- Kinmen (Jinmen) and Matsu occupy a mythical and complex place in Taiwanese consciousness.
- These islands hold a distinct identity shaped by their unique history and current geopolitical tensions with China.