Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 17, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good evening!
It is a pleasure to take part in the opening ceremony of the 18th Taiwan European Film Festival. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to express my appreciation to the EETO for organizing this meaningful event.
MOFA has been a proud sponsor of the Taiwan European Film Festival since its commencement in 2005. Over 180,000 cinemagoers have enjoyed and discovered the richness of European language, history, and art through the films at this event over the past 18 years.
This year, 17 films from 17 European countries will be screened at 42 venues across Taiwan, free of charge. The selection covers stories about immigration, school life, the generation gap, LGBTI issues, and history. The movies showcase the diversity and vibrancy of European culture. Through the magic of cinema, audiences will be taken on a journey of the imagination and come away with a better understanding of European life and society.
At the opening ceremony last year, I mentioned that there was light at the end of the tunnel, as with the title of last year's opening film, Let There Be Light. This year, the festival has resumed physical screenings, marking the easing of the pandemic and the resumption of normal life. I hope that the title of this year's opening film, Easy Living, points to us all emerging stronger and more resilient after the difficulties of the pandemic.
Thank you all for being with us tonight, and I wish you a very pleasant evening.