Up Coming Screening
Strings of Legacy: The Journey of A Poetic Music Legend
Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: SIFF Film Center
Embark on a deeply moving journey through two captivating documentaries that celebrate the rich, soulful rhythms of Asian music, culture, and history. Each story uncovers the heartbeat of a culture, the struggles and triumphs of its people, and the timeless melodies that highlight the enduring influence of Taiwan’s musical legend, Chen Ming-Chang. It’s an evening crafted to inspire, touch your heart, and unite us all through the transformative power of storytelling.
Film Details
1. On The Train (2022)
Directed by Hsiao Chu-Chen, this powerful documentary takes you on a journey through Taiwan's South-Link Railway, a critical but challenging route built through mountainous terrain. Spanning five years of filming, the film provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of railway workers.
More than just a story of steel and stone, the film is a heartfelt tribute to a disappearing chapter of Taiwan’s history, echoing the resilience and determination that are reflected in both the spirit of the workers and the music composer Chen Ming-Chang, whose melodies beautifully underscore the film.
2. Free Beats: The Musical Journey of Chen Ming Chang (2023)
This documentary, directed by Lin Cheng-Sheng, takes us deep into the world of Chen Ming-Chang, the "Taiwanese Bob Dylan." Following his evolution from Western rock influences to his dedication to reviving Taiwan’s folk music traditions, this film tells the powerful story of a man who, through his music, bridges cultures, generations, and the personal struggles of a nation.
His work is a living testament to the strength of music in preserving cultural identity and shaping the collective spirit of Taiwan.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the extraordinary journey of Chen Ming-Chang and his lasting impact on both Taiwan’s cultural landscape and the Asian music scene.