Supported by Bank SinoPac and SinoPac Holdings, and organized by the Taiwan Seeing Hometowns Educational Promotion Association, the “Seeing Hometowns · Sustainable Harvests” Documentary Film Festival officially opened today (Oct. 25) at the SinoPac Holdings Zhonglun Building. After six months of incubation and mentorship, ten student-produced documentaries premiered, offering audiences a visual feast interweaving the themes of land, culture, and emotion.

A highlight of the annual event was the screening of “The Journey of Seeing Hometowns,” directed by Chih-Han Chen, which chronicles the project’s early challenges and touching milestones. The film embodies the educational spirit of “loving one’s hometown” and stands as an important testament to community storytelling and collective empowerment.This year’s initiative, themed “Lighting Up Our Hometowns — Eye for Happiness,” brought together students from seven partner schools and three returning young filmmakers. These “little directors” captured the essence of their communities through their lenses, documenting the deep connection between people and the land. The ten teams presented their films to distinguished guests including Yu-Hui Yang, Director-General of the Department of Technological and Vocational Education, Ministry of Education; Dr. Tsu-Hua Liu, President of Ming Chi University of Technology; Chia-Hsing Chen, Senior Executive Vice President of Bank SinoPac; Kuang-Kai Tu, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at the UMC Science and Culture Foundation; Chi Wang, Director of the Radiant Education Foundation; members of the Rotary Club of Taipei Huapeng, and the teachers and mentors who supported them throughout the year. The young filmmakers also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all who guided and encouraged them along the way.

Since its inception in 2017, the project has entered its ninth year, producing a total of 78 films and nurturing more than 300 young filmmakers, laying a strong foundation for film education in Taiwan. Starting in 2019, Bank SinoPac, the Radiant Education Foundation, the UMC Science and Culture Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Taipei Huapeng have successively joined as sponsors, providing continued support and resources. Director Chih-Han Chen’s documentary “The Journey of Seeing Hometowns” was completed last year after four years of filming. It premiered at the Sporangium Documentary Festival in June and was later recommended by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) to participate in the 2025 Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, Korea. Yen-Kuang Pu, Chairman of the Taiwan Seeing Hometowns Educational Promotion Association, remarked that the film’s screening at ACFM reflects the association’s long-term dedication to nurturing visual storytelling in Taiwan and showcases the richness of local culture on the international stage.

Continuing sponsor Chia-Hsing Chen of Bank SinoPac expressed his hope that these “little directors” will continue connecting communities through film, co-creating a sustainable future for Taiwan. “Through Seeing Hometowns, we not only see our communities—but also the power and promise of the next generation,” he said.

NEWS resource: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20251025001577-264208?chdtv