Invisible Nation

No it's not a boring documentary about Taiwan's first female President. It's a very enjoyable, thought provoking film on Taiwan's very complicated history and politics. Vanessa Hope did a phenomenal job highlighting the controversial and touchy subject without making this into a political propaganda. The film is factually correct, and well researched. It's also a must see for anyone who needs a reminder how precious and fragile democracy is. The music is very beautiful and poignant too. Hopefully the movie will stream online someday soon but most likely not for a long while. For obvious reasons. No big name platforms will risk making a certain totalitarian powerhouse country uncomfortable. Sad reality.

With the power of China in media, politics and economy, it is rare that mainstream audiences have an opportunity to hear directly from the voices of Taiwanese people regarding their future.

It should be clear by the title that Taiwanese people feel that their voices are silenced by the great powers in the world. In spite of that, Taiwanese people still struggle to stand up for themselves in our own unique manner as we face the challenges this world throws at us.

I hope more people have an opportunity to learn Taiwan's story told through the eyes of Vanessa Hope from her experience as an American exploring East Asia. She tells an honest unfiltered view seeing how the values of liberal democracy are under threat which the Taiwanese people have embraced to improve their country.

Slamdance FF 2024 Greetings again from the darkness. The festival's closing night film selection was this penetrative documentary by Vanessa Hope (granddaughter of producer Walter Wanger and classic film actress Joan Bennett). Given the state of global geopolitics at the moment, this inside glimpse of Taiwan through the eyes of its first female President, Tsai Ing-wen couldn't be more timely.

It's tough to decide which is more heartbreaking: watching high school students proclaim their identity through a Taiwan they view as an independent nation, or China President Xi Jinping stating, "Taiwan is China", and that reunification is inevitable. Taiwan has been a democracy for decades, but it's also a de facto country, one that isn't even allowed to use their own name at the Olympics (Chinese Taipei).

We immediately gain respect for President Tsai Ing-wen as an exceptionally smart and wise and tough leader. On a daily basis, she deals with suppression from China, and has to walk a fine diplomatic line between supporters and detractors. We learn a bit more about The Sunflower Movement, a student-led rebellion and what role that has played in recent history. Unfortunately, this well-made and informative documentary reinforces the dread we feel towards the future of Taiwan as an independent nation.

This carefully crafted documentary by Vanessa Hope is a MUST watch; Informative, and incredibly compelling. Especially helpful to an audience unfamiliar with Taiwan, a case is presented as to WHY Taiwan - and also Ukraine- are so important to democracies around the world. Vanessa Hope had a lot of access to the President, Tsai Ing-wen, and does a great job presenting both the politician and the human being. This film also feels very timely- with the challenges of a female candidate and an energized youth vote fighting to be heard. Wei-San Hsu's score is absolutely beautiful. This film deserves to be on every short list for Documentary Feature awards.

This documentary shines a light on the spirit and resilience of Taiwan's democracy in the face of an escalating military threat from China. The central focus is Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen who was elected in 2016. The filmmaker had good access to Tsai and conducted several interviews with her over the period from 2016 to 2022. Tsai admits she was a shy child, but she really is a quiet achiever. She has resolutely upheld Taiwan's sovereignty and helped to strengthen Taiwan's support from the international community while China has simultaneously exerted military and diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan.

Taiwan is shown as a nation that values democracy, peace and pluralism, a sharp contrast to its bullying neighbour which threatens Taiwan with violence. A number of key figures in Tsai's government were also interviewed including foreign minister, Joseph Wu, and former representative to the USA, Hsiao Bi-khim. They are Taiwan's greatest and most tireless advocates and have been key to the success of Tsai's efforts to raise Taiwan's international support.

The documentary would have benefited from including more voices from Taiwan's younger generations. They are, after all, Taiwan's future. Overall, Invisible Nation presents a clear narrative of Taiwan maintaining its democracy in difficult circumstances. At a time when democracy around the world is under pressure Taiwan shows the value of democracy, but that democracy cannot survive without the world's support.