As the highly anticipated 96th Academy Awards takes place in Los Angeles, CA, on March 10, the Taiwanese team behind "Island in Between" has arrived in the US to attend the prestigious ceremony. The Taiwanese film "Island in Between" has been nominated for Best Documentary Short ever since Taiwanese director Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film in 2001.
The Taiwan Academy at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles held a press conference on March 8, inviting director S. Leo Chiang, chairman Ben Tsiang and CEO Ruby Chen of CNEX Studio, along with the producing team, to talk about the creation process behind the film and their reflections on its nomination. Also present were Dr. Alex Ma and Iris Wu, the winners and the first Taiwanese members of the Oscar Technical Achievement Awards.
Director Chien of the Taiwan Academy highlighted the Ministry of Culture's "Black Wave Cultural Plan," aimed at bolstering Taiwan's presence in the global film, television, and audio industries. he mentioned, “the Academy Awards serve as a pinnacle of recognition within the film industry, and "Island in Between's" inclusion on the list of nominees after 23 years is a testament to Taiwan's creative prowess.” Director Chien also expressed hope for the film's success, underscoring its potential to showcase Taiwan's narrative to the world.
The powerful 19-minute-long documentary “Island in Between” tells the story of the unsettling peace on Kinmen Island, which lies between Taiwan and China, through the lens of director S. Leo Chiang’s personal experience. By interweaving his father's military service memories with local life and the island's visitors, the film offers a poignant reflection on the relationship between Taiwan, Kinmen, and China. Its broadcast on the New York Times Op-Docs platform has resonated with audiences globally, amplifying Taiwan's cultural voice on an international scale.
Director S. Leo Chiang aims to leverage "Island in Between" as a catalyst to share Taiwan's story with the world, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the island's rich heritage and vibrant culture.