The 2025 Taipei Film Festival, in collaboration with the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), officially launched the “New Southbound Vision” film series today (21) afternoon at Huashan Spot Cinema. This year’s program highlights five films from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Malaysia, selected for their critical acclaim and participation in major international festivals such as Berlinale, Sundance, and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
The opening ceremony welcomed international guests including Filipino director, Antoinette Jadaone and lead actress Maris Racal (Sunshine), Indonesian director,Tumpal Tampubolon and actor Yusuf Mahardika (Crocodile Tears), Bhutanese actress,Tandin Bidha, and Malaysia-based cinematographer David Yáñez Barroso. These filmmakers and artists will also participate in the upcoming New Southbound Vision Spotlight Forum on June 22 Afternoon, where they will engage in a moderated dialogue with the audience to share insights into their creative processes and filmmaking experiences.
Representatives from various diplomatic and government offices also attended the ceremony, including Dr. Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, Chairman of TAEF; Mr. Liao Qing-song, Chairman of the Taipei Film Festival; Mr. Lin Hongxun, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); Mr. Ge Ruo-fei, Chairman and Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office; Ms. Ruth Evelin Pasaribu, Director of Tourism and Transportation Affairs at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei; and Ms. Syajaratud Durri Abdullah, Director of the Economic Department at the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre.
Chairman Hsiao emphasized the significance of regional storytelling, saying, “Each film sincerely showcases the diverse charm and richness of the Southeast Asia and East Asia countries.” He affirmed that the films reveal “common grounds and not differences.”
Chairman Liao highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging voices, stating that the festival serves as a platform for “supporting young directors and filmmakers” and showcasing their “potentials and creativity.”
The international guests expressed their excitement about participating in the festival. Tandin Bidha stated, “This is our traditional dress,” highlighting the cultural pride behind Bhutan’s participation. Maris Racal shared, “This is a film about dreams, second chances and women rights, so I hope you love the film.” Antoinette Jadaone urged the audience to “open your eyes to Filipino cinema.” Crocodile Tear’s Tumpal Tampubolon and Yusuf Mahardika added jokingly, “You will see come watch the film and CGI crocodiles tomorrow.” David Yáñez Barroso remarked, “The movie showcases Malaysia’s diverse cultures.”
Deputy Director Lin expressed appreciation for TAEF and the Taipei Film Festival on behalf of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting the rarity of watching international films on the big screen in the streaming era. He emphasized, “Watching movies from other countries is a great way to get to know other countries,” and highlighted Taiwan’s evolving regional ties and efforts to “advance the New Southbound Policy Plus” through cinema.
Chairman Ge called the festival a celebration for movie lovers, describing herself as a “moviefanatic.” She noted the films reflect “facing obstacles in life, and dilemmas,” and shared her honor in welcoming Philippine filmmakers to screen one of her favorite “masterpieces.”
Director Syajaratud opened with a Malay proverb and reflected, “It will be easier to like or love something if we truly know or understand them.” She added, “Communication is one way to understand each other better… through verbal, written, and also expression of culture and arts,” underscoring the role of film in cross-cultural dialogue.
Director Ruth praised the “New Southbound Vision” section, stating, “Film is not just art but bridge the ideas around the world and also our cultures.” She added that films help “create empathy and highlight our values and identities.”
Audience members attending the opening event also received special Southeast Asian-themed gifts presented by the representative offices of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia in Taiwan. These included the Malaysian popcorn brand OMYPOP, the Indonesian instant noodle brand Indomie, and San Miguel Beer from the Philippines—adding a touch of cultural flavor and interactive fun to the film-viewing experience.
Tickets are available for the full screening schedule and the New Southbound Vision Spotlight Forum.
To buy movie tickets: https://reurl.cc/1K54k9
For more details, please visit the https://www.taef.org/198.
【About the “New Southbound Vision” Film Series】
Our film festival features five rising titles: Sunshine (2024), winner of the Crystal Bear at the 2025 Berlinale; Cactus Pears (2025), selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival; I, the Song (2024); Macai (2025); and Crocodile Tears (2025). Despite coming from different countries and cultural contexts, all five films focus on narratives of marginalized or vulnerable individuals—portraying their dreams, desires, and the complexities of their surroundings.
Antoinette Jadaone, a Filipino filmmaker, is well-known for directing films such as That Thing Called Tadhana (2014), Love You to the Stars and Back (2017), and her latest work, Sunshine. Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the writer-director of Cactus Pears—his feature directorial debut—came from an interior design background and is a self-made filmmaker whose works, including U Ushacha (2020) and Khidkee (2017), have gained international recognition. Dechen Roder’s I, the Song, a story of culture, music, and identity in a reckless digital age, earned her the Best Director (Critics’ Choice) award at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Shanjhey Kumar Perumal, an acclaimed Malaysian filmmaker, is known for his feature Jagat (2015), which explored the transition from estate life to urban realities, and his most recent work Macai (2025), which examines mafia life in Indian-Malaysian communities. Tumpal Tampubolon, an Indonesian director, premiered his first feature-length film Crocodile Tears (2024) at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
The launch of this year’s film series builds upon the TAEF’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts under the New Southbound Policy (NSP). In recent years, TAEF has hosted a number of film-centered initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural ties with Southeast and South Asia, including the 2024 Vietnam Film Day, the 2024 Singapore Film Festival, and the “2022 NSP Film Festival” co-hosted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These initiatives collectively reflect TAEF’s continued commitment to fostering mutual understanding and regional exchange through the powerful medium of film.