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Dear Taiwan premieres in National Taiwan University on 10/19/2011
[Director Chen]: Actually, I've been thinking about making a film on Taiwanese identity for more than twenty years,
since I had an arduous personal struggle to reach my own Taiwanese identity.
However, I know that I'm not the only person to have gone through this;
many Taiwanese in my generation experienced the same struggle.
Frankly, when I first started working on this film,
I felt quite discouraged.
Many friends asked me,
' what's there to film about identity?'
'When our generation dies out, the next generation will not have any issue with their identity.'
Some people told me that the issue of identity is too sensitive a subject;
if it is discussed like this, I might have to face tons of public criticism.
Some other people said that if we discuss the topic of identity, China will attack,
and we automatically lose on that front.
However, deep in my heart, a question lingered:
is the topic of national identity really so unspeakable?
is the topic of national identity really a taboo?
Is it really a taboo subject?
And if our generation continues to avoid talking about it,
will our children have a chance to choose for themselves?
However, after I got in touch with the young people featured in this film,
their response and enthusiasm far exceeded what I had imagined.
I really really appreciate their help.
With their wisdom, courage, and passion, they helped me finish this film.
Actually, they also feel that not only should we talk more about national identity,
we should actively embrace it.
Well, I devoted a sizable portion of the film to a independence vs. unification debate,
I'm not sure if it will put you all to sleep...
I'm a little worried.
But I think, well,
actually, this debate took place in Youth Synergy's Cafe Philo.
The event was held at night.
I was very surprised to see such a debate.
Everyone was able to share their own opinion about the topic openly and honestly.
The reason that i included such a lengthy segment of it is that
I think we should have debates like this more often.
All of us should treat this issue as we would discuss any other issue.
since the future of our country is a topic that, we,
well, it's a topic that everyone must face.
And I hope after this process of discussion, we can really think about
what kind of choice will I make for Taiwan's future?
What kind of choice do I make for myself?
I'll stop here for now, my stomach is killing me!