Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, centers this portrait of the constantly colonized island, as it struggles to preserve its hard-won democracy, autonomy and freedom from fear of authoritarian aggression.
streaming exclusively on gathr - EXTENDED THROUGH December 10th by popular demand
Q&A with Vanessa Hope & Special Guests Emily Y. Wu and Vickie Wang
Moderated by Matthew Carey of Deadline Hollywood
4 days to stream after purchase!
Thank you to DIRECTOR PARK CHAN-WOOK who WROTE THESE INCREDIBLE WORDS OF SUPPORT:
타이완/중국 간 이른바 ‘양안문제’에 관해 생각할 때 우리는 당연하다는 듯이 경제를 우선순위에 두면서 편향된 판단을 내리곤 한다. 영화 [보이지 않는 나라]는 외국인의 객관적인 시선으로 이 문제를 바라보면서 우리에게 성찰을 요구한다. 강요하는 내레이션 없이 자료화면과 인터뷰로만. 긴 세월 침략세력들에 의해 고통을 강요받아온 우리가, 지금도 강대국들 틈바구니에서 아슬아슬한 외교를 전개해야 하는 우리가 오로지 돈의 논리로만 타이완을 바라보아서야 되겠는가. 타이완은 투명국가가 아니다. 타이완은 우리가 더 큰 관심을 기울여야 하는, 엄연히 존재하는 나라다.
When we think about the so-called 'Cross-Strait issue' between Taiwan and China, we often make biased judgments, prioritizing economics as if it were only natural to do so. The film [Invisible Nation] looks at the issue through the objective perspective of a foreigner, urging us to reflect, not through forced narration, but solely through archival footage and interviews. As a people who have endured long years of suffering under foreign invasions, and who still navigate precarious diplomacy between global powers, we shouldn't view Taiwan solely through the lens of economics. Taiwan is not an invisible nation. It is a country that deserves far more of our attention, and one that undeniably exists.”
“The film was beautiful, well produced, and even handed in approach. I learned so much about Tsai Ing-wen. She was the anti-thesis of the slick politician. A person who wanted to be a historian or archeologist in order to avoid speaking with people ended up being the first female president of Taiwan and navigated a difficult period with finesse. Her frankness about her shy personality makes her even more likeable and the lack of her political glad-handedness gives her an air of competent authority—it is an unusual but winning mix. The months ahead will be trying for Taiwan. This film is a helpful antidote to counter the CCP’s narratives on ‘reunification’ and should be widely screened.”
Theresa Fallon
Theresa Fallon is a Brussels-based analyst, writer and commentator on global energy and geopolitics with over 20 years' experience. A member of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP-EU), in 2016 she established the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS). Her current research focus is on EU–Asia relations, Sino-Russian relations, maritime security, global governance and China’s Belt & Road Initiative.
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR OF BERNE, SWITZERLAND: ALEC VON GRAFFENRIED
Mads Mikkelsen - Head of CPH:DOX
“Invisible Nation. A film dedicated to the troubled times we live in and to a woman who is determined to do something about that. With incredible access and honesty, the film follows the now former president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen. A woman who really inspires both hope and faith and also stands as an example of dignity and humanism in the often rough game of international politics, and the heaven knows we really need that right now, such a person. Invisible Nation not only tells the story of Tsai Ing-Wen up close, it also tells the story of modern Taiwan and the twenty-five million people who live there. So no wonder this film has really made waves across the world everywhere, where it has been screening. This is a film that really gives you a lot to think about and a lot to talk about.”