TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A documentary that follows the lives of people overcoming disabilities, "Taiwan Unsung Hero," has been a surprising domestic box office success, running for seven months and earning NT$30 million (US$1 million), per Mirror Media.
The film, directed by Charlie Chu (曲全立), took three years to film as he met 100 individuals with disabilities that ranged from debilitating accidents to genetic diseases, and other illnesses. For example, one person was able to overcome childhood polio to become a dentist serving rural communities.
Since the film's debut in December, it has racked up 700 screenings, with nearly half followed by a question-and-answer session with the director. The film has become the top-grossing domestic documentary in a decade, and the fourth highest in Taiwan's history.
Chu says the film's success has encouraged him to schedule international screenings throughout Asia and North America. He is currently shooting a sequel, which he plans to release on Mother's Day next year.
"I never thought the film would earn NT$30 million at the box office. I just wanted to show the stories of the people I filmed to children, but then I thought that I should share them with more people. "
Chu said the audience for the film has ranged from three to 96 years old.
According to Chu, the film was only scheduled for two screenings, which immediately led to two more, and then another eight. He said it is tiring organizing so many screenings; he has been very happy to see the audience enjoy the film and the everyday heroes that he documents.
Chu remembers one particular day when he traveled to three cities and hosted eight screenings, followed by Q&A sessions.
He said he is open to private organizations sponsoring screenings of his film and getting wider distribution amongst students and other organizations. Students’ reaction to the film has been especially positive, as many gain inspiration from seeing those who overcome disabilities in their daily lives.
The film will soon screen in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan at the end of July and will go to the United States and Canada in October. Chu says the sequel will bring together seven new protagonists and feature the central theme of “mother.”
