Following the successful closing of the Osaka–Kansai Expo last month, Tracing to Expo ’70 (1970) —filmed on location at the 1970 World Expo—has officially returned from its original filming site in Japan to make its long-awaited Taiwan premiere. The Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI) hosted the screening and welcomed the film’s leading actress, Judy ONGG, whose elegant appearance drew cheers from the audience.

As a special highlight, TFAI screened a rare Taiwan Newsreel from its archival collection, featuring footage of ONGG returning to Taiwan from Tokyo nearly sixty years ago.

A “Phantom Masterpiece” Rediscovered: Tracing to Expo ‘70 Captivates Japan

Praised by Japanese media as a “Taiwanese masterpiece for the World Expo” and a phantom film, Tracing to Expo ’70 stirred a sensation in Osaka this summer. Tickets sold out instantly, and film enthusiasts around the world continued requesting encore screenings.

Immediately after its world premiere at the Osaka Asian Film Festival, TFAI scheduled the film’s return to Taiwan—presented at TFAI, where the film’s digital restoration was completed.The screening invited the audiences to once again experience the vibrant charm of 1970.

Minister of Culture LI Yuan attended the premiere to express his support. He noted: “Watching Tracing to Expo ’70 is deeply touching. It is more than a film but a distilled portrait of an entire era in Taiwan. Judy ONGG was one of the most beloved public figures of the time, and she embodies the spirit of 1970.” He also mentioned that earlier this year, the Ministry of Culture held a series of cultural events at the Osaka Expo that were warmly received. Many audiences hope to see these performances brought back to Taiwan. “I am delighted that Tracing to Expo ’70 is the first work to return home.”

TFAI Chairperson Arthur CHU added: “The film’s screenings during the Osaka Asia Film Festival sparked enthusiastic responses from Japanese media and audiences alike. This once again proves that the collective memories preserved in an old film can transcend borders. We are not merely repairing individual frames but restoring the soul of an era.” He highlighted that the success of the Osaka premiere broadens our vision for promoting restored films in the future and marks a meaningful milestone for TFAI.

➤ TFAI hosted the Taiwan premiere of Tracing to Expo ’70.  From left to right: TFAI Executive Director Iris DU, TFAI Chairperson Arthur CHU, Minister of Culture LI Yuan (also known as Hsiao Yeh), leading actress Judy ONGG, renowned photographer CHUANG Ling; and the film’s assistant director, LI Ying. (Courtesy of TFAI)

Judy ONGG’s Appearance Brings the Premiere to Its Peak

The presence of legendary star Judy ONGG, often celebrated as a “national treasure” of Taiwanese pop culture, sent the afternoon’s atmosphere into a joyful high. As a “secret surprise,” TFAI screened the archival newsreel “TV Celebrity Judy ONGG” (1965), can now be viewed online: https://tfaitw.pse.is/8cwfq2

Filmed on December 21, 1965, the one-minute reel shows ONGG, then a 15-year-old rising television star in Japan, being greeted by crowds of reporters upon her arrival in Taipei. She appears alongside Taiwanese film star CHANG Mei-yao, creating a rare and dreamlike moment in cinematic history.

Moved by the footage, ONGG shared: “All the memories came back! I’m so happy that we can gather here today and revisit such joyful moments from the past.”

She recalled filming experiences in Hokkaido: “Back then, Taiwanese people were crazy about Hokkaido, so our crew traveled there to shoot. I remember running in the snow in high heels! I’ve never done such a thing in my life, only because of this movie.”

She expressed her gratitude to the audience and to TFAI for preserving so many recordings from her youth. “Like Tracing to Expo ’70, these images capture moments that can never be rewound. Because of that, they remind us to treasure every moment of the present.”

➤ Judy ONGG becomes emotional while watching the rare archival footage. (Courtesy of TFAI)

Join Us for the Exclusive TFAI Member Screening on December 19

Fans wishing to experience the restored beauty of Tracing to Expo ’70 are invited to join the TFAI Member Exclusive Screening on December 19.

For more information, please visit: https://tfaitw.pse.is/8cwftq