After five years of careful planning and production, the documentary film “Guests and Hosts” depicting the evolution of the Hakka ethnic group in Taiwan over 300 years, held its film premiere on the evening of June 19th.
Director Shen Keshang expressed gratitude to the many storytellers and interviewees who contributed to the documentary, including the collaboration with DreamWorks Animation to create captivating animated segments that enriched the content of “Guests and Hosts.”
In order to promote “Guests and Hosts,” the film will begin a nationwide tour at the end of June, with free registration available for those interested in attending the screenings at theaters across Taiwan. For more information, please visit the film’s official Facebook fan page.
Featuring renowned musicians as storytellers and scholars, experts, and elders as interviewees, “Guests and Hosts” skillfully weaves together songs, dances, and unique animated sequences to present the historical evolution and challenges faced by the Hakka ethnic group over the past century.
Director Shen Keshang shared his creative concept, stating, ” ‘Guests and Hosts’ aims to explore not only the significance and value of the Hakka ethnic group in Taiwan. The proclaimed Taiwanese values and common stereotypes about ethnic groups actually stem from a series of stories of survival, rise, invisibility, and collision in a society shaped by migration. It prompts us to delve into the question of ‘Who are the guests? Who are the hosts?’ on this island, leading us to reflect on the past, face the future, and heed the warning bells already ringing.”
“Guests and Hosts” will premiere on Hakka TV in Taiwan on June 29th at 9 p.m. local time (Saturday) and will have a rerun on July 6th at 2 p.m. (Saturday).