The Taiwan democracy documentary “The Invisible Country,” produced by American director Grace Jing Wen, premiered in Vancouver, Canada to rave reviews. Foreign friends at the event admired Taiwan for its firm stance on the path of democracy, with some even shedding tears over Taiwan’s suppression by the Chinese Communist Party.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, the documentary, which delves deep into Taiwan’s democratic journey and international status, was invited by the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and will be screened from the 10th to the 22nd of this month, with a total of 6 showings.
The 85-minute film illustrates Taiwan’s historical evolution, changes in political power, particularly focusing on cross-strait relations under former President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration. It also discusses the impact of the Hong Kong extradition bill protests and the Ukraine-Russia conflict on Taiwan, depicting how Taiwan finds its position and identity in international geopolitics.
The majority of the audience present are native Canadians. Mark remarked to the Central News Agency, “The oppression from China is chilling. Seeing how Beijing disrupts Canada, it’s hard to imagine how Taiwan survives right next to the Chinese Communist Party.”
Carley, speaking to a reporter, couldn’t hold back tears. She was amazed by a country forced to give up its name during the Olympics and unable to join the World Health Organization (WHO) showing such resilience. She said, “Taiwan is truly great, facing the immense threat from China without flinching. My heart aches for the people of Taiwan.”
A group of Taiwanese expatriates gathered at the cinema to watch “The Invisible Country,” with many getting emotional. Some remarked, “Seeing only the Chinese Taipei flag at the Olympics, no national flag, no national name, unable to sing the national anthem even with a gold medal, it’s heartbreaking.” Others expressed, “A scene showing Taiwan is not on the list for countries to choose from. This seemingly small issue troubles me. Is the word ‘Taiwan’ so unacceptable?”
Professor Shan Ren Xingqi from the University of British Columbia’s School of Dentistry found a segment in the film showing WHO official Bruce Aylward abruptly ending a video call when asked about reconsidering Taiwan’s membership most striking. Aylward paused for a few seconds before saying, “I couldn’t hear you,” then the video call was suddenly cut off.
Shan Ren Xingqi said, “At that moment, the cinema audience erupted into incredulous gasps. We in the medical field are even more saddened because Taiwan, a hero in fighting COVID-19, has long been excluded from the WHO. It’s extremely ironic!”
Liu Lixin, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, stated that this documentary not only discusses former President Tsai Ing-wen’s path to governance but also mentions former President Ma Ying-jeou’s statement that ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is dead in Hong Kong, highlighting that Taiwan’s future can only thrive on the values of freedom and democracy.