Thirty-one years after winning the Golden Lion at the 51st Venice International Film Festival in 1994, TSAI Ming-liang’s seminal work Vive L’Amour made a triumphant return to Venice with its 4K digital restoration by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI). The film was presented in the prestigious Venice Classics section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and had its world premiere at the festival yesterday (September 3). TFAI Chairperson Arthur CHU, director TSAI Ming-liang, and actor LEE Kang-sheng were all in attendance, joining cinephiles worldwide in celebrating this historic moment.

➤ Vive L’Amour (4K Restoration) was selected for the Venice Classics section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The world premiere of the 4K digital restoration of Vive L’Amour was held in Venice to a packed house, with the audience’s enthusiasm reflecting their eagerness to witness the artistry of a master filmmaker. Through sparse dialogue and a detached visual language, the film portrays the loneliness of urban life, showcasing TSAI Ming-liang’s distinctive aesthetic and marking the beginning of his long-term collaboration with actor LEE Kang-sheng.

➤ From left to right: LEE Kang-sheng(Actor), Arthur CHU(Chairperson of TFAI), Paola CASELLA(Vice President of FIPRESCI), TSAI Ming-liang(Director), Alberto BARBERA(Artistic Director of the Biennale Cinema for 2025), Ahmed SHAWKY(President of FIPRESCI)

Before the premiere, the festival presented director Tsai Ming-liang with the FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his significant contributions and influence in the film industry, as well as his continuous innovation and challenges in aesthetics and narrative. This marks the 7th FIPRESCI award of his illustrious career, following previous honors in Venice, Berlin, and Cannes.

➤ TSAI Ming-Liang Receives FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award in Venice.

Accepting the award, TSAI reflected: “Within 30 years, I have received five FIPRESCI awards in succession. I have always felt the strong support of international film critics, and that has made my creative journey never feel lonely.”

He also remarked on his return to Venice: “The Golden Lion Award is very important to me. It was the place where I first connected with international audiences. After 31 years, returning to Venice and seeing new young audiences watching my films makes me very happy. I am grateful to the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute for restoring the 4K version, allowing Vive L’Amour to return to Venice once again.”

Actor LEE Kang-sheng, TSAI’s longtime collaborator, expressed his feelings: “Coming to Venice feels like coming home. And coincidentally this year, Director TSAI also brings his new work Back Home. I hope you all enjoy it.”

Arthur CHU, Chairperson of TFAI, emphasized the significance of the restoration: “Restoring this film is not only about preserving the director’s unique cinematic aesthetics, but also about documenting the growth of his actors and the transformation of Taipei as a city. Vive L’Amour remains a vital testimony of our cultural memory.”

➤ Vive L’Amour captured the loneliness of urban life through sparse dialogue and a detached visual language.

This meticulous 4K digital restoration was completed through a close collaboration between the TFAI and Director TSAI, restoring the images of Taipei and sound textures to the way the director originally intended them to be presented. As a result, the film was able to return to the international festival stage 31 years later with a fresh look, extending its artistic vitality and cultural influence.

Just last year (2024), TFAI staged a special outdoor screening of Vive L’Amour in Taipei’s Da’an Forest Park on New Year’s Eve. More than 3,000 people gathered to weep together as they ushered in the new year, an event so remarkable it drew coverage from CNN and international media. The widely talked-about event paid tribute to the film’s iconic eight-minute crying sequence, which won actress YANG Kuei-mei Best Actress at the Singapore International Film Festival and paved the way for roles in TSAI Ming-liang’s later films.

➤ Arthur CHU, the chairperson of TFAI, invites audience to Taipei to watch Vive L’Amour on New Year’s Eve

Following the Venice premiere, TSAI Ming-liang has also been invited to deliver a Masterclass on September 5th, offering festival audiences an intimate look into his creative journey and cinematic philosophy.