In a cinematic rendezvous, France’s Centre National du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) and Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) have inked a pact to elevate collaboration and cultural exchanges within their film and TV realms. The agreement, sealed by CNC President Dominique Boutonnat and TAICCA Chairperson Homme Tsai amid the vibrant Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF), underscores shared values like cultural exception and diversity.
At the heart of the deal is the joint commitment to nurture emerging talent, champion creative autonomy, delve into digital content creation, and foster international co-productions. Boutonnat envisions France and Taiwan standing together as stalwart allies against the dominance of American and Chinese entertainment giants and streaming platforms.
The collaborative efforts of CNC and TAICCA are slated for dual progress updates, with one scheduled in March in France and the second during the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Boutonnat emphasizes the significance of preserving intellectual property as a means for France and Taiwan to articulate their distinct narratives and uniqueness.
However, the prospect of a comprehensive co-production treaty faces complexities due to the contentious territorial claims made by mainland China over Taiwan. Despite this geopolitical challenge, Taiwan is swiftly emerging as a dynamic player in the East Asian film and TV funding and co-production landscape.
Post-ceremony, the experiences of Chilean director Felipe Gálvez Haberle and Filipino-American filmmaker Joseph Mangat took center stage as they shared insights into their co-production journeys with Taiwan. Haberle’s Cannes-acclaimed film, “The Settlers,” and Mangat’s documentary, “Divine Factory,” both beneficiaries of Taiwan’s International Co-funding Program (TICP), exemplify Taiwan’s proactive role in fostering global cinematic collaborations. The vibrant soundscapes of both films were crafted in Taipei by the renowned sound designer Tu Duu-Chih.
Adding an international flavor to the discussion, Japanese director Koji Fukada, presenting his project “Nagi Note” in TCCF’s Pitching section, expressed his aspirations for future collaborations with Taiwan. Fukada, a seasoned co-producer with France and Indonesia, adds another dimension to the evolving tapestry of global cinematic partnerships.
