Taiwan Film Festival in Scotland 2025, themed “Encounter Taiwan and the World,” presents a selection of contemporary Taiwanese cinema that delves into the intricate tapestry of identity, memory, and societal transformation, demonstrating cinema as a living archive of Taiwan’s evolving self-understanding. This festival serves as a luminous platform of encounter, where Taiwan’s cinematic imagination dialogues with Scotland’s cultural landscape, and where local stories refract global questions of belonging, resilience, and renewal. This curation celebrates Taiwanese filmmakers’ dual vision: an introspective gaze into the island’s cultural and historical depths, paired with an outward reach that connects local narratives to global discourses. 

In total, we present 13 screenings (18 titles) in Glasgow, the most vibrant city in Scotland, with the expectation of touring them across the country in the future. The program is organised into three thematic units: Intimate Familial Bonds, Historical and Trans-cultural Legacies, and Voices Transcend the Boundaries. These categories, defined by their narrative locus - personal relationships, collective histories, and peripheral existences - create a cohesive arc that progresses from intimate domestic spheres to national reckonings and societal edges, illuminating filmmakers’ ability to oscillate between inward reflection and global engagement. Besides, we also introduce a special section of short films, showcasing dynamic, bold energies from the young filmmakers. By weaving personal stories with universal themes, these films transcend geographic confines, inviting Scottish audiences to reflect on shared experiences of heritage, resilience, and social change. This progression mirrors Taiwan’s cinematic consciousness: an ever-widening circle of empathy and imagination.