On 16 November 2018, Representative Francis Kuo-Hsin Liang graced the opening of the Taiwan Animation Festival at the Arts House. The festival, which opened from 16 to 18 November 2018, showcased five animated films, namely, “Grandma and Her Ghosts”, “The Elephant Apartment”, “On Happiness Road”, “Barkley” and “Weather Boy”. Close to 400 persons attended the film screenings.
In his opening address, Representative Liang welcomed Wang Shaudi, director of the film “Grandma and Her Ghosts” to Singapore. Through the Taiwanese Animation Festival, the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hopes to share with friends in Singapore several first-rate animated films from Taiwan. Representative Liang also expressed his hope that Taiwanese Director Wang’s visit to Singapore would spur exchanges between animation talents between the two countries.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the screening of “Grandma and Her Ghosts” and its director, Wang Shaudi led a talk where he shared with the audience some personal stories which had shaped her life. Those present were tickled into laughter by director Wang’s wit and humor. Although many among the audience remarked that they had watched the animated film “Grandma and Her Ghosts” before, they still relished the opportunity of watching and re-living the excitement of the film again. This is indeed a testament to the timeless appeal of director Wang’s film.
Representative Francis Liang delivering his opening remarks at the Taiwan Animation Festival.
Director Wang Shaudi (front, fourth from left) sharing her personal stories at a talk held in conjunction with the Taiwan Animation Festival.