A Tsai Ming-Liang Film Retrospective Opens at the University of Chicago
TECO in Chicago has worked with the Center for East Asian Studies, and Doc Films, both at the University of Chicago, to present a retrospective of the films of famous Taiwan film director Tsai Ming-Liang at the Max Palevsky Cinema at the University of Chicago. Ten of Tsai’s films will be screened over a period of ten weeks, with each film screened twice in one week—on Friday evening, and then on Sunday at noon.
The Rebels of the Neon Screen: A Tsai Ming-Liang Retrospective series was formally opened on January 17, 2020, after some Taiwanese treats such as pop-corn chicken and bubble tea. Prof. Susan Burns, the director of the Center for East Asian Studies was master of ceremonies. The series began with a screening of Tsai Ming-Liang’s second feature film, Vive L’Amour. This Taiwanese New Wave film premiered at the 31st Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan in 1994 and then competed in the 51st Venice International Film Festival and won the prestigious Golden Lion.
The film curator, Chicago artist and filmmaker Prof. Deborah Stratman, talked about the film before the screening and led discussion with the audience afterwards. The audience gave Vive L’Amour an enthusiastic and extended round of applause at the end, and their comments reflected a deep appreciation for Tsai’s art style.
Eric Huang, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, David Dong, director of its Education Division, and Thomas Tsai, deputy director of its Press Division all attended the opening and the film screening. Director-General Huang hoped that all of the audience enjoyed seeing a glimpse of Taiwan’s people and society in 1994.
The film director Tsai Ming-Liang and his team will visit Chicago in April. Doc Films will screen his newly released short film Light, and the documentary Your Face during their stay, and Tsai will take part in after-screening discussions with the audience. Please click the link: docfilms.uchicago.edu/dev/calendar/2020/winter/fridays.shtml for more information. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the films.