## Taipei Film Festival Unveils Competition Lineup, Appoints Wang Xiaoshuai as Jury Head
Taipei, Taiwan (May 27, 2024) – The 2024 Taipei Film Festival has announced its official competition selection, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the globe. The festival will take place from June 21st to July 6th at the prestigious Zhongshan Hall, Vieshow Cinema Xinyi, and SPOT-Huashan Cinemas.
### Taiwan’s Flagbearer: “A Journey in Spring”
Representing Taiwan in the international competition is “A Journey in Spring,” directed by Peng Tzu-hui and Wang Ping-wen. Shot on Super 16 mm film stock and starring King Jieh-wen and Yang Kuei-mei, the film weaves a poignant tale of generational bonds and resilience amidst the breathtaking scenery of Taiwan’s countryside.
### International Competition Titles
Joining “A Journey in Spring” in the international competition are ten captivating films from renowned filmmakers:
– “Beyond the Fog” by Murase Daichi (Japan)
– “Brief History of a Family” by Lin Jianjie (Taiwan)
– “Encounters” by Dmitry Moiseev (Russia)
– “The Featherweight” by Robert Kolodny (United States)
– “Foremost by Night” by Víctor Iriarte (Mexico)
– “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person” by Ariane Louis-Seize (France)
– “My Sunshine” by Okuyama Hiroshi (Japan)
– “Scream” by Kenzhebek Shaikakov (Kazakhstan)
– “Who Do I Belong To” by Meryam Joobeur (Tunisia)
### Wang Xiaoshuai to Head Jury
Acclaimed Chinese director Wang Xiaoshuai, known for his award-winning films at the Berlinale, has been appointed as the jury head for the New Talent Competition. Joining him on the jury are esteemed figures from the film industry, including Taiwan’s Kai Ko (actor and director), Lim Cheng-Sim (festival selector), Laha Mebow (director of “Lokah Laqi”), and Sadai Yuji (producer of “Drive My Car”).
### Bytedance Retains Moonton Games
In a significant development, Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, has reversed its plan to sell its Moonton games unit. Instead, the company has appointed Zhang Yunfan as the new CEO, signaling its commitment to the gaming industry. Bytedance is preparing for the launch of “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” in mainland China, which has garnered over 8 million pre-registrations.
### Eye Catcher Global Returns
The second edition of the Eye Catcher Global mini-festival will take place in Hong Kong from June 19th to 23rd. Focusing on independent films with unique visions and hybrid storytelling approaches, the festival will showcase two core competitions for new Asian directors and offer open screenings to the public. Julian Rejl, artistic director of the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, will chair the jury panel and share his insights on the future of filmmaking.