Invisible Nation is a 2023 American–Taiwanese documentary film, directed and produced by Vanessa Hope. It follows the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, as she struggles to preserve its democracy and handle the geopolitical forces of the United States and China.
| Invisible Nation | |
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| Directed by | Vanessa Hope |
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| Cinematography | Laura Hudock |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Wei-San Hsu |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Abramorama |
Release dates |
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Running time | 85 minutes |
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It had its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on September 29, 2023, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 31, 2024, by Abramorama.
Premise
editExplores the presidency and election of Tsai Ing-wen, as she struggles to preserve its democracy and handle the geopolitical forces of the United States and China.
Production
editFollowing the completion of All Eyes and Ears, which followed the relationship between the United States and China, Vanessa Hope wanted to make a documentary revolving around Taiwan. Hope and Geralyn Dreyfous, secured initial funding through the Compton Foundation.[1] Vanessa Hope gained access to Tsai Ing-Wen by filling out a proposal through the presidential office, which took six months for a response. Once they responded, Hope pitched the film, with Ing-Wen agreeing to film, and Hope maintaining editorial control of the project.[2][3]
Principal photography began initially in May 2017, with another round of filming following the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, with Hope living in Taiwan from July 2022 to February 2023, completing post-production on the film.[4]
Release
editThe film had its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on September 29, 2023.[5][6] It also screened at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam on November 14, 2023,[7][8] Slamdance Film Festival on January 25, 2024,[9] and CPH:DOX on March 13, 2024.[10][11] In April 2024, Abramorama acquired distribution rights to the film, and set it for a May 31, 2024, release.[12]
References
edit- ^ Iwasaki, Scott (January 20, 2024). "Slamdance will end with a little Hope for democracy". Park Record. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Vivarelli, Nick (November 13, 2023). "'Invisible Nation' Filmmakers Vanessa and Ted Hope on Importance of Taiwan Doc: 'It's 23 Million Lives and Their Democracy That's at Stake!' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Wissot, Lauren (November 15, 2023). ""Understanding Taiwan on Its Own Terms": Vanessa Hope on Invisible Nation". Filmmaker. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ S. Landreth, Jonathan (January 14, 2024). "Vanessa Hope on Taiwan, the Invisible Nation". The Wire China. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (September 29, 2023). "Ted Hope Talks the Future of Documentary Distribution: 'We Need a Slow Food Movement for Film'". Variety. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Invisible Nation". Woodstock Film Festival. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Invisible Nation". International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ MacNab, Geoffrey (November 19, 2023). "BDE interview: Ted Hope, producer of Invisible Nation". Business Doc Europe. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (December 4, 2023). "Slamdance unveils 2024 roster, will close with Taiwan president profile 'Invisible Nation'". Screen International. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Invisible Nation". CPH:DOX. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Carey, Matthew (February 15, 2024). "CPH:DOX Announces Competition Lineup Packed With World Premieres". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (April 23, 2024). "'Invisible Nation' From Veteran Indie Producer Ted Hope Sells to Abramorama (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 2, 2024.