On October 19th, 2011, I attended the premiere of
“Dear Taiwan” at the National Taiwan University. Coincidentally, the documentary was shown in the “Socrates
Room”, as the purpose of the film was to provoke contemplation and dialogue on identity from the younger generation of Taiwan through
series of questions and testimonies by other young Taiwanese.
The theme of the documentary centered around a seemingly
simple question, “Who am I?” As
simple and short as the question is, it is probably one of the most difficult
questions for any young person, who constantly undergoes the arduous process of
self-discovering, to answer. To a
young Taiwanese, as the film has demonstrated, deriving at something that
resembles an answer is an even more strenuous, hellacious and sometimes painful
journey.
I was deeply moved by the testimonies of the individuals
featured in the film, as I, too, have underwent my own expedition on my
identity. What I found most moving
was the stories of Taiwanese, who have lived within the confine and comfort of the
island, going overseas and were then suddenly confronted by the lack of recognition
by their visited country and forced to identify with the citizens of a neighboring
nation that has never governed, contributed to the welfare and development of
Taiwan. As shocking and sad as the
experience might be, the realization and the importance of knowing who one is
became salient. It was difficult
to not shed tears along with those recounting such experience.
In all, I find “Dear Taiwan” to be thought provoking and
touching. The film also provided a
window to Taiwan’s trying past and help explained the complexity of issues on
identity in Taiwan. I am very glad
such film was made and encourage anyone who is interested in engaging
him/herself in understanding and contemplating on who he/she is and where
his/her place is in this world to watch it.
By E. Nokita
October 26, 2011 in Taipei, Taiwan
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