Radiance Films, a London-based distributor, has announced the acquisition of eight classic Taiwanese films from the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI). These films, including notable works from directors Hou Hsiao-hsien and Tsai Ming-liang, are set for theatrical and home entertainment releases in 2027, with Yang Li-kuo's 'The Dull-Ice Flower' receiving a joint U.S.-U.K. release.
This initiative, revealed at Lyon's International Classic Film Market, includes Hou Hsiao-hsien's 'A Time to Live and a Time to Die' (1985) and 'Dust in the Wind' (1986), as well as three films by Tsai Ming-liang: 'Rebels of the Neon God' (1992), 'Vive L'Amour' (1994), and 'The River' (1997). The collection also features 'In Our Time' (1982), a foundational anthology of the Taiwanese New Cinema, and Chang Yi’s 'Kuei-Mei, a Woman' (1985). Radiance Films plans both individual releases and curated collections, including a Taiwanese New Wave set and a trio dedicated to Tsai Ming-liang's work.
Radiance founder Francesco Simeoni emphasized the significance of these acquisitions, highlighting the years of effort to bring these previously largely inaccessible films to British audiences. The deal solidified after Simeoni engaged with TFAI at the Berlin Film Festival and later saw 'The Dull-Ice Flower' at Cannes Classics, confirming its inclusion. Simeoni believes that directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang are pivotal figures in global cinema and that understanding their origins is crucial. He anticipates a strong reception from younger cinephiles, citing the success of similar classic film screenings.
This venture underscores a growing trend in film heritage, where restored classics find renewed commercial life through theatrical releases and home entertainment. A panel discussion at MIFC, featuring TFAI chair Arthur Chu and programmer Howard Yang, along with Radiance's Elena Lazic and Carlotta Films' Vincent Paul-Boncour, delved into the institute's restoration and global distribution strategies. TFAI has restored 110 titles since 2013 and now restores about a dozen films annually. While initially focusing on renowned filmmakers, the institute is expanding its efforts to preserve and promote lesser-known works. Audience engagement, such as a 2023 survey identifying 'The Dull-Ice Flower' as a popular classic, plays a role in restoration choices. The broader goal is to ensure that preservation leads to widespread access, overcoming challenges such as rights ownership and missing materials. As Taiwan commemorates the 70th anniversary of Taiwanese-language cinema, this initiative serves to highlight the island's unique cinematic heritage and cultural identity on the international stage.
