Documentary "We Sing For The Islands" recognized by international film festivals

According to the Ministry of Culture, to break through the restrictions caused by the pandemic, the well-known director Lekal Sumi Cilangasan (勒嘎.舒米) directed a documentary film "We Sing For The Islands (我們在島嶼歌唱)," presenting the precious achievements of the "HOT Island Music Festival (H.O.T.島嶼音樂季)," the cross-cultural and international exchange activity between Taiwan and Okinawa, and the profound friendship established between musicians, craftsmen and communities.

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"We Sing For The Islands" has been recognized by the international film festivals. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of Culture)

Produced by the National Taitung Living Art Center (NTLAC), the film has been recognized by various film festivals from home and abroad since February.

The content of the documentary focuses on the cultural similarities and differences of two places and the emotions of mutual respect. The enthusiasm for music and creation eliminates the language barrier between the cultural workers on both sides, who have been constantly produced creations to preserve traditional culture. Regardless of the distance and ethnic differences, they have naturally developed a tradition of co-creating a song related to island every year, which is the foundation for both parties to maintain a good relationship.

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Sneak preview of "We Sing For The Islands" in Taipei City. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of Culture)

Currently, the film was selected for three film festivals, including Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, Aporia International village film festival, and Las Vegas Asian Film Awards. Additionally, it was honored with five best documentary awards, ranging from Indo Singapore International Film Festival, Golden Sparrow International Film Festival, ISTANBUL FILM AWARDS, World Film Carnival-Singapore, and Tagore International Film Festival.

Director Lekal Sumi Cilangasan said that by participating in domestic and international film festivals, the documentary could let the world to see the cultural customs between the east of Taiwan and Okinawa, and the process of seeking to understand and identify with their own culture. He hopes that the documentary will be screened virtually on social media so that more people who care about culture issues can enjoy it.

As part of the series activities of the HOT Island Music Festival, the documentary will be screened at the Mgmgi Hostel in Hualien on Oct. 30. Moreover, previous curators and photographers will be invited to speak at a sharing session after the screening. 

To enjoy the "2020 Song for the islands (島嶼之歌)" co-produced by Taiwanese and Japanese musicians, please go to the We Sing for the Islands Facebook.