SYNOPSIS
Invisible Nation is director Vanessa Hope¡¯s intimate view of the presidency of Taiwan¡¯s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, as she fights for the future of her nation.
REVIEW
From the Ukraine war to the power struggle between the United States and China, East Asia stands at the forefront of contemporary geopolitical conflicts, often referred to as the "new Cold War." The Taiwan Strait, along with the DMZ on the Korean Peninsula, remains one of the most volatile and dangerous borders in the world. In Invisible Nation, director Vanessa Hope, known for her notable works set against the backdrop of China, presents a dual portrait of Taiwan—on one hand, a nation striving for democracy and economic prosperity, and on the other, a country struggling for international recognition. One of the film's most compelling aspects is its close examination of Taiwan's first female leader, President Tsai Ingwen. Hope's signature, understated style is perfectly suited to capture the contrast between Tsai's bold political moves toward full independence and her restrained, modest personality. The documentary employs a variety of archival footage, including television broadcasts, and features interviews with a diverse range of Taiwanese people. This approach effectively conveys the thoughts and emotions of those living in a country that remains unrecognized by much of the world, facing an uncertain future.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Living in Taiwan, building trust with the sitting, first female President Tsai Ing-wen over her two terms in office, and befriending the Taiwanese community in Taipei as well as the diaspora internationally were experiences I knew to be essential and I approached with openness, humility, excitement and gratitude. I listened respectfully in order to understand the various Taiwanese and Chinese viewpoints and political positions at play in Taiwan¡¯s story, while examining where the fingerprints of American diplomacy rested and why.
CONTACT
Autlook Filmsales
welcome@autlookfilms.com