After two weeks here in Taipei I have learned a great deal about the country, its people and different aspects of their culture. Something that I’ve been thinking about in the past few days is what I can do to best assimilate myself into that culture, from what I have learned from Taiwanese people is that the best way to do that is through art and creativity. I have found that quality time is really important to Taiwanese people however, many people are naturally introverted they prefer to spend that quality time partaking in activities together. So for me as an outsider, it is important to understand this and try to make an effort to be a part of these activities. In my initial weeks in Taiwan, I struggled with forging meaningful friendships, a challenge I acknowledge I am largely responsible for. I had carried over my expectations from my experiences in London, where forming new connections often felt effortless. However, Taiwan proved to be different altogether. Fortunately, my involvement with the Taipei Film Academy opened doors to numerous interactions with local filmmakers, providing me with invaluable insights and a chance at many new connections.

I attended a week of lectures by many interesting industry professionals from all over the world. The speaker I found most interesting would be Sten-Kristian Saluveer. He is a Producer from Estonia and has been working in the industry in a number of different roles for many years including his current role as a strategic advisor and head of Cannes Next, the innovation platform of the world's leading film market and festival, Marché du Film at the Festival de Cannes. His talk on virtual production was especially interesting for me as I know that it’s definitely going to be a part of my work life in the near future, so to learn a huge deal about it now from a seasoned filmmaker like Sten was certainly a great experience.

After the talks finished each day I was able to meet and chat with some of the other attendees who were all Taiwanese native filmmakers, so speaking with a number of them I learned about the way the industry is run on the ground here in Taiwan, this was very helpful for me because so far I’d had little to no clue how things actually happened on day-to-day here as a freelancer. I was lucky enough to be sat next to a young director and his friend who is a DoP who both studied in Europe, therefore their English speaking was great and we could have a detailed conversation about film and the industry. This was the first time I'd been able to do so and during these conversations, I discovered that despite our unique perspectives, we faced common challenges in the world of filmmaking. Financing, distribution, and navigating the ever-evolving industry landscape were issues that affected all of us. It became clear that by pooling our collective knowledge and resources, we could combine our individual voices and create powerful stories that resonated with global audiences.

Through more of these interactions, I believe that the seeds of collaboration could be sown. Ideas for co-productions, cross-cultural exchanges, and joint film projects may begin to take shape. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and willingness of my new potential international colleagues to work together. As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded that cinema has always played a crucial role in creating an international understanding. Filmmakers can uniquely portray the human experience in all its diversity, making it relatable to audiences worldwide. By coming together, sharing our stories, and embracing our differences, we can harness the power of film to build bridges of cooperation that extend far beyond the confines of the silver screen.

In a world that can often seem divided, the world of cinema offers a beacon of hope—a place where international cooperation isn't just a dream but a tangible reality. Meeting foreign filmmakers reaffirmed my belief in the power of film, and I am excited to embark on a journey of collaboration that knows no borders. Together, we will create stories that unite, inspire, and transcend the boundaries that too often separate us. At least that is the plan.

Author

Ethan Turner