A Chip Odyssey, a documentary film depicting the journey of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry over the past half-century from humble beginnings to global prominence, recently held multiple special screenings in Southern California. Director Xiao Juzhen and her team visited prestigious universities like UCLA and UCI, as well as the AMC theater in Arcadia, attracting a large audience eager to witness Taiwan’s remarkable technological evolution from a “soy milk shop” to a powerhouse in the industry. The film, titled “A Chip Odyssey,” not only achieved great success in Taiwan’s box office but also received overwhelming responses during its international screenings, showcasing the global resonance of Taiwan’s story.
The documentary, six years in the making, was inspired by Xiao Juzhen’s admiration for the first-generation engineers who worked tirelessly for the nation. Producer Jiang Xianbin mentioned that the team interviewed over eighty industry pioneers, with the process often feeling like a race against time as many of the interviewees have since passed away, making the film a precious historical record.
Co-producer Chen Tianshun emphasized that Taiwan’s present achievements are not a given but rather a result of the hard work, diligence, creativity, and resilience of previous generations. Through the film, he aims to pass on this spirit to the younger generation as a “seed” for continued strength.
Since its release in Taiwan, “A Chip Odyssey” has held over 700 sold-out screenings, grossing over a million US dollars and climbing into the top five rankings of Taiwan’s documentary history, continuing to set new records.
Xiao Juzhen admitted her initial concerns about the limited understanding of Taiwan’s historical context by overseas audiences, but the responses exceeded expectations, resonating with viewers both domestically and internationally. She shared anecdotes of audience members rediscovering their pride and connection to Taiwan through the film, reflecting on Taiwan’s relentless pursuit of excellence and hard work that became evident to viewers worldwide.
The film created a cultural bridge, allowing the world to truly understand Taiwan, with viewers acknowledging Taiwan’s exceptional work ethic and determination that underpins its technological successes. Xiao Juzhen emphasized that amidst Taiwan’s challenging international position, there is no room for complacency, and continuous efforts are essential to maintain and further Taiwan’s progress.
At a screening held at UCLA on a Thursday afternoon, Los Angeles Economic and Cultural Office Director Ji Qinyao noted that the film deeply showcases the crucial role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in the country’s development. It highlights the sacrifices made by many pioneers who chose to return to Taiwan to contribute to the nation’s progress, illustrating the resilience and dedication of the Taiwanese people.
Director Ji Qinyao stressed that semiconductors serve as Taiwan’s “protective mountain” and a vital pillar in maintaining the country’s key position in the global landscape. The documentary portrays Taiwan’s ability to stand firm through challenging times such as economic struggles and diplomatic shifts, emerging as a globally recognized “Tech Island.”
Following a screening at the AMC cinema in Arcadia on a Friday, Zhong Peizhen, Director of the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Center, expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing a platform to showcase the film to mainstream and overseas Chinese communities in a short span of time. She was moved by the foresight and decisiveness displayed by ROC officials and economic decision-makers during difficult times, recognizing that the success of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) today is a result of generations of hard work, not just for the company but for all Taiwanese people.
Chen Tianshun noted that while Western societies are more familiar with the development of Japanese and South Korean enterprises, their understanding of Taiwan remains limited. Through this documentary, he hopes to introduce Taiwan to the world as a nation built not on stolen technology but on cooperation, unity, and innovation, gradually establishing its industrial strength on a geopolitically constrained island to create the semiconductor miracle.
Amidst global upheavals such as the US-China trade war, the pandemic, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, and the rise of technologies like AI and ChatGPT, Xiao Juzhen believes that the completion of the documentary underscores what Morris Chang once said: in the face of all changes, the unwavering spirit is Taiwan’s most precious asset.
Tian Tuihong, a national policy advisor of the Republic of China, highlighted how in the current tense US-China relations, “A Chip Odyssey” showcases the resilience of the Taiwanese people. He expressed the importance of the next generation understanding and continuing the legacy, as challenges persist and the future generations must carry on.
Members of the Los Angeles Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce, including President Chen Linghua and several honorary officials, attended the screening and expressed pride in witnessing the significant epochs that Taiwan has traversed in the documentary film, recommending it to more individuals to appreciate together. ◇