San francisco: Taiwanese filmmaker Tsai Yu-han’s short film “Dua Ji” was screened at the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival as part of a shorts program focused on the lives and responsibilities of women.
According to Focus Taiwan, the 18-minute film stars veteran Taiwanese actress Yang Kuei-mei and explores unresolved tensions among siblings during their mother’s funeral. Tsai, who is based in New York, expressed her delight at the film’s selection for the festival. This year’s festival featured five short films by women directors from various countries, highlighting the pressures women face in roles as mothers, professionals, caregivers, and community members.
“Dua Ji” stood out as the only film from Asia in the shorts program. The screening was attended by officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and members of the overseas Taiwanese community. During a post-screening Q and A session at the Marina Theatre, Tsai revealed that she had Yang in mind for the role while writing the script due to the need for a strong performance.
Tsai shared that the film’s story was inspired by her mother, who bore emotional pressures and unexpressed thoughts due to family and cultural expectations. Tsai remarked, “It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain, so I wrote a story.” Although set in a Taiwanese cultural context, Tsai believes the film’s emotional themes can resonate with audiences beyond Taiwan.
The film also sparked interest among international viewers in Taiwanese funeral customs. Tsai expressed her hopes to direct a feature film set in both the United States and Taiwan in the future. The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival, which began on April 24, will continue through May 4.