On October 26th (Saturday), the screening of the latest documentary film “Coal Country Stories – Jing Tong Chapter” produced by Taiwanese artist Wei Jane Chir was held at the Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center in New York. This documentary is the third installment of her “Local Faces” series, showcasing the rise and fall of a coal mining town in Taiwan and highlighting the cultural landscape of Taiwan. It evokes nostalgia in people and encourages them to cherish the peaceful environment and freedom of modern life.
The 28-minute documentary is beautifully shot, depicting the historical background and fortunes of Jing Tong, once the largest coal mining town in Taiwan. Today, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination in northern Taiwan, loved by both locals and foreigners.
Jing Tong was once known as the “Black Coal Town” of Taiwan. In the documentary, scenes of the Pingxi Line small train winding through lush green forests create a picturesque setting reminiscent of a utopia. The town thrived due to the coal mining industry, especially during the peak when thousands of people frequented the town daily. However, with the decline of coal mining due to the emergence of new energy sources, the industry dwindled, and the town was left abandoned, with only a hundred residents remaining.
During the pandemic from 2019 to 2021, Wei Jane Chir ventured deep into the mountains of Pingxi in New Taipei City, interviewing former miners, videographers, urban planners, and witnesses of the town’s prosperity. Although the film is short, it carries a strong emotional impact.
Wei Jane Chir, in an interview, mentioned the proverb “beauty of Li Ren,” realizing the poignant history of Taiwan in the bronze coal country. She expressed the importance of managing the land properly regardless of who dwells there, emphasizing the need to respect and maintain the environment.
Following the screening of the documentary, a tea reception and discussion were held. Film critic, Gigi, revealed that after watching the film, she learned about the sacrifices made by over four hundred thousand mining families, including current Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and filmmaker Wu Nianzhen, who are descendants of miners. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for Taiwan’s development.
Furthermore, Gigi emphasized the importance of respecting life and the natural world, highlighting the wisdom passed down by ancestors. She stressed that maintaining this reverence is crucial for preserving morality and ensuring sustainable civilization.
Director Wei Jane Chir spent three years creating and producing the documentary. Born in Taiwan, she has been studying and creating art abroad for 40 years, primarily in New York since 1993. Apart from her artistry, she has also worked as an art director for magazines, stage designer, printmaking teacher, writer, and documentary filmmaker. Her extensive experience in art spans over 30 years, with numerous exhibitions and works held by international art galleries and institutions.
This event was co-organized by Hello Taiwan, TAAC, and Asian in New York, with the sponsorship of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, as part of a series of cultural events. You can watch the documentary “Coal Country Stories – Jing Tong Chapter” through this link: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/KR8n21Dr3V