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[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Taiwan Church News

> 2957 Edition

> October 27~November 2, 2008

> Art & Literature Update

> Reported by: Chiou Kuo-rong and Ai Yu-mei

> Written by: Lydia Ma

Christian Light and Salt Media Association organized ?Dream Seeker?s Journey ? Light and Salt Film Forum? on October 25th and November 1st, 2008, at Taiwan Church Press? Art and Literature Center. After the end of each movie presentation, viewers were invited to share their thoughts on the film.

The first film shown on October 25th was a documentary on the lives of three individuals with disabilities ? one mentally challenged, one autistic, and one with physical disabilities. Through their God-given talent and the undying support of their families, these individuals were able to boldly pursue their dreams. This film was the product of twelve years of follow-up, two years of filming and was first released in 2005. Entitled ?Capturing Dreams in the Dark?, it was well received by the public and some schools even use it today as part of their curriculum. The movie was directed by Professor Ming-mei Wan of National ChangHua University of Education?s department of special  education.

One of the viewers who saw it at the forum commented that physical and mental disabilities are always a tremendous challenge for the person and the family. Through the story of these individuals, we are reminded that we need to hold onto God in order to move on in life.

Christian Light and Salt Media Association?s CEO mentioned that the organization was able to purchase a public broadcast version of the film from Huei-Ming School for Blind Children after much effort. The organization had to ensure that copyright laws were observed as well as secure funding for the purchase. However, it is always a privilege to share perspectives with viewers in a small setting. The CEO invited attendees to support the association financially.

The second film entitled ?A Journey No Return? was shown on November 1st and it is centered on the lives of six Taiwanese Christian families who immigrated to Brazil in 1963 under God?s guidance.

In related news, the first Taiwanese film in Hakka language organized a special viewing event in Taipei on October 23rd. The film entitled
?1895? is about Hakka resistance against the Japanese during Taiwan?s colonization by Japan. The male protagonist sacrificed his life for ?Formosa? in the end.

Production costs for this film was higher than the much-acclaimed Cape No.7. The movie?s screenplay editor and script-writer, Li-quiao, is not only of Hakka descent but also a member of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and a renowned novelist in Taiwanese literature. Li-quiao?s writings are breath-taking, her love for Taiwan is apparent in her writings, and her fans will surely anticipate seeing her literary work come alive in the silver screen. It took her two years to transform her novel into a theatrical script.

Li-quiao has dreamed of producing a film based on her novel ?1895? for thirty years because the story is so rich in Hakka history and culture. Viewers who saw it came away very impressed and many likened it to Cape  No.7.

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