Taiwan Film Festival Makes Mumbai Debut, Showcases Sporting Glory and Cinematic Excellence
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Following successful screenings in New Delhi, three internationally acclaimed Taiwanese films brought stories of sporting triumph, political history and human relationships to India’s entertainment capital.
MUMBAI, October 31, 2026: The 2026 Taiwan Film Festival made its successful debut in Mumbai on Saturday, bringing three internationally acclaimed films to G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi, and marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen cultural exchanges with India’s film industry and audiences.
Organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India, in collaboration with G5A, the festival showcased HERO! HITO!, Before the Bright Day and Deep Quiet Room, following its successful New Delhi edition at Triveni Kala Sangam on October 24–25, where six Taiwanese films were screened.
Welcoming audiences to the festival, Mr. Homer Chang, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in Mumbai, described the occasion as a significant step towards expanding India–Taiwan cultural cooperation.
Highlighting the festival’s flagship documentary, HERO! HITO!, Chang drew an interesting parallel between Taiwan’s passion for baseball and India’s love for cricket.
“Just as cricket is deeply loved in India, baseball holds a special place in Taiwanese society. Although we may follow different sports, we share the same passion for competition, teamwork, and national pride,” he said.
The documentary chronicled Taiwan’s extraordinary 11-year journey from its disappointing 2013 World Baseball Classic campaign to its historic victory over Japan in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship.
Chang emphasised that Taiwan’s international identity extended beyond semiconductor manufacturing and technological innovation to sporting excellence, cultural achievements and creative industries.
He also acknowledged the support of ADATA Technology, one of Taiwan’s leading technology companies, for the documentary, describing its involvement as an example of Taiwan’s ability to connect technology, sports and culture.
Recognising Mumbai’s international standing as a filmmaking centre, Chang expressed hope that the festival would encourage stronger partnerships between Taiwanese and Indian filmmakers, producers and creative communities.
Ms. Isabel Lin, Head of the Cultural Division at TECC India, highlighted the diversity of Taiwanese cinema, explaining that the festival’s selection had been designed to introduce Indian audiences to the island’s history, cultural identity, social issues and personal experiences through compelling storytelling.
The second screening, Before the Bright Day, directed by Shih-Han Tsao, explored adolescence and family relationships against the politically turbulent backdrop of the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. The film had earned nominations at the Golden Horse Awards and recognition at international festivals.
The concluding film, Deep Quiet Room, directed by Shen Ko-shang, examined grief, psychological trauma and complex family relationships. It received seven nominations at the 2025 Golden Horse Awards and major honours at the Pingyao International Film Festival.
The Mumbai screenings further strengthened the festival’s role as a cultural bridge, introducing Indian audiences to Taiwan’s cinematic creativity and diverse society.