The theme of the year is “Bittersweet”. The complexity of tastes and flavors represent the rise and fall of characters in movies, as well as the filmmakers’ personal life experience over time. Bittersweet encompasses the flavors of bitter and sweet, simultaneously contrasts and complements each other. The intricate balance of the flavors often resembles the winding storyline and character development.   

On another level, “Bittersweet” is a realization shared by the entire team at TFFB. Throughout the past year, we all experienced drastic and unseen changes to relationships and connections. While it brought about uncertainty, loneliness, emptiness and despair, it also inspired camaraderie within us and gave us an opportunity to reflect and cherish our relationships. We aspire to ignite conversations around the Post-Covid era through the theme of “Bittersweet” and the seminar sessions. As a community, we will overcome 2020 and march into the new normal.

The objective of the festival is to take the audience back in time through the memories triggered by various Taiwanese films. The warmth of nostalgia is a critical component that enlivens all of us. The film industry in Taiwan in recent years is also rapidly adapting to the world, similar to how molecular gastronomy and fusion restaurants constantly challenge our sense of ordinary. On behalf of the team at TFFB, we wish to inspire more domestic and international audiences to explore, treasure, and advocate for the unique flavors of Taiwanese culture through the films and their perspectives. Let’s join us in savoring the flavors and species of these outstanding films through laughter and tears!