The Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI) returned to the Far East Film Festival (FEFF) with a showcase of restored Taiwanese cinema, featuring the international premiere of The Story of a Small Town, which was part of the festival’s Restored Classics program. This newly restored work by director LEE Hsing, supported by the Hakka Public Communication Foundation, represents a key milestone in Taiwanese film restoration.

In addition, the festival presented a special Tribute to PAI Ching-jui, premiering three of the iconic director’s newly restored classics: Lonely Seventeen (1968), Accidental Trio (1969), and Good Bye! Darling (1970). The audience responded with great enthusiasm—laughing, applauding, and embracing the distinct charm of Taiwanese classics on the big screen.

The international premiere of The Story of a Small Town at the Far East Film Festival. (Courtesy of TFAI)

The Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI) returned to the Far East Film Festival (FEFF) with a showcase of restored Taiwanese cinema. （Photo：FEFF Luca Chiandoni）

Recognized as a major gateway for Asian genre films into Europe, FEFF is also a long-standing supporter of the preservation and rediscovery of Asian cinematic heritage. Since 2018, TFAI has collaborated closely with FEFF, which has also featured restored Taiwanese works for eight consecutive years. In 2025, a record nine Taiwanese films, both restored and contemporary, were selected for the festival. Of those, four titles were presented by TFAI—further cementing the strong partnership between the two organizations. 

TFAI Chairman Arthur CHU attended the festival to underscore the Institute’s ongoing commitment to international cultural exchange.（Photo：FEFF Luca Chiandoni）

TFAI Chairman Arthur CHU attended the festival to underscore the Institute’s ongoing commitment to international cultural exchange. Prior to the screening, CHU introduced the Institute’s latest restoration efforts and Taiwan’s rich cinematic legacy to an international audience. He noted that The Story of a Small Town had just celebrated its world premiere in March during TFAI’s anniversary event, and expressed great pride in bringing the film to Italy only a month later.

CHU also shared insights into the challenges behind the restoration process: "The Story of a Small Town was one of the most technically demanding projects our team has ever undertaken," he said. The original film elements were in poor condition—plagued not only by common issues such as stains, scratches, and dust, but also by widespread mold that caused severe flickering and color distortion throughout the footage. Additionally, the reel suffered from vinegar syndrome and warping, requiring the restoration team to push the current restoration technology to its very limits. CHU noted that the film also captures a microcosm of Taiwanese society toward modernization. Through cinematic imagery, it presents valuable snapshots of history, offering audiences a glimpse into how Taiwan gradually emerged as a key player in the global industry.

"The Story of a Small Town was one of the most technically demanding projects our team has ever undertaken." (Courtesy of TFAI)

CHU went on to highlight the significance of this year’s Tribute to PAI Ching-jui. Beyond showcasing TFAI’s latest restoration achievements, the selected works reflect PAI’s deep personal and artistic ties to Italy. “PAI studied in Italy, and his work was deeply influenced by Italian neorealism,” said CHU. “This retrospective holds far more meaning than simply sharing his films with Italian and global audiences.” The audience was especially responsive to PAI’s bold visual style, expressing astonishment at the avant-garde nature of his work during its time.

Still of Good Bye! Darling (1970) (Courtesy of TFAI)

Tribute to PAI Ching-jui, premiering three of the iconic director’s newly restored classics: Lonely Seventeen (1968), Accidental Trio (1969), and Good Bye! Darling (1970).  (Courtesy of TFAI)

The presentation of PAI’s films and LEE Hsing’s The Story of a Small Town at FEFF offers a compelling contrast. Though close friends and university classmates, the two directors developed distinct cinematic voices. PAI’s work, in particular, explores the tensions between commercial pressures, personal expression, and the constraints of censorship during Taiwan’s martial law era. His films serve as a vivid reflection of the complexities faced by filmmakers during that period.

With this initiative, TFAI continues its mission to engage in meaningful cultural exchange through Taiwan’s most exemplary audiovisual works—fostering dialogue with international filmmakers and institutions, and deepening Taiwan’s cultural impact on the global stage.