Film on International Students’ Struggles Wins Top Prize in Taiwan

A film that highlights the challenges faced by international students in Taiwan has received top honors at the inaugural Taiwan International Human Rights Film Awards. Titled A Better Place (留學生), the film examines the increasingly blurred lines between international students and migrant workers through the experiences of two Vietnamese students, Ching-chun and Mei.

The award ceremony took place on October 29, 2023, at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, marking the conclusion of the film festival. A Better Place was recognized with the top prize in the Youth Category for its compelling narrative about the exploitation faced by these students, who risk becoming undocumented workers while juggling part-time jobs.

Highlighting Systemic Issues

The film’s director, Ben Oui from Malaysia, aimed to use the dual identities of the protagonists to reflect the daily struggles encountered by individuals in similar situations. The jury praised A Better Place for its in-depth exploration of Taiwan’s systemic labor issues, as noted in a statement from the Ministry of Culture, which organized the festival.

In addition to A Better Place, the film The Taste of Pork Belly (五花肉), directed by Sophie Suei (隋淑芬), was awarded the top prize in the Open Category. This poignant film, edited by Liao Ching-sung, a veteran of the Golden Horse Awards, tells the story of a young boy uncovering his parents’ dark past during the 1960s White Terror in Taiwan. The jury commended the film for its literary storytelling and nuanced female perspective, describing it as a “silent indictment of the times.”

Recognizing Diverse Narratives

Both directors will receive a cash prize of NT$150,000. In her remarks, Sue Wang (王時思), Deputy Minister of Culture, emphasized the diversity of topics covered by the entries, which ranged from historical narratives to contemporary issues such as labor rights and immigration. Wang underscored cinema’s role as a powerful medium for collective memory and dialogue on human rights, stating, “These are stories that can only be told on free soil like Taiwan’s.”

The festival not only spotlighted significant societal issues but also celebrated the artistic contributions of filmmakers dedicated to shedding light on human rights. As international students continue to navigate complex challenges, films like A Better Place serve as crucial platforms for their voices to be heard.