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Posted on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 at 11:42 am.

Written by Leona

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Wendy Cheng's "ISLAND X" (@uwapress) is essential

Wendy Cheng's "ISLAND X" (@uwapress) is essential reading for Taiwanese Americans - and I don't say that lightly.⁠
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In the final chapter, Becoming Taiwanese American, Cheng notes that her book captures the experience of a “unique generation as they are aging and passing away. Most of the people interviewed and involved in the major events [discussed] were born between the 1930s and 1950s.” Directly salient for our readers, though, is the question of “what legacy this generation will leave for future generations, within and beyond Taiwanese and Taiwanese American communities.” In the concentric circles of Taiwanese American identity, the first layer is pride, then political consequence, then historical context and positionality. So many of us have taken the first step in acknowledging that we are Taiwanese. Most of us are proud of this, and can note that it is a “political declaration.” And now, in a way never before this accessible, we have an opportunity to reflect on the terms of those politics, the conditions of our pride. ⁠
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It was also so affirming to see @taiwaneseam_org founder @hochie71; @heartsintaiwan podcast host @wangela.gram; community organizer and public servant @schoolboardkristie; author @jocelynschung; and so many other friends and loved ones in our community quoted in this book. We see and honor your work, and now others will too.⁠ :') ⁠
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Read the full review, linked here and in bio: https://www.taiwaneseamerican.org/2023/11/wendy-cheng-island-x/

Our deepest congratulations to Dorothy Teng, who w

Our deepest congratulations to Dorothy Teng, who won an Emmy this weekend for the Student Crystal Pillar Award for Animation/Graphics/SFX.
We were proud to support her winning film, ALWAYS AND FOREVER, a whimsical story about two young girls who happen to meet in a vast world and develop a lifelong friendship with one another. It is a profoundly moving tribute to girlhood and the relationships that sustain us; and inspired by Teng’s experiences with @tafagram and Taiwanese Community Church. You can find the winning animation on YouTube if you search "Always & Forever Animation College of Dupage" or through the link in bio: https://youtu.be/StEi6ffR5NI?si=K5muFKN0q8MZjYaH

“Carroll, whose mother, Pey-Lin Carroll, was bor

“Carroll, whose mother, Pey-Lin Carroll, was born in Taiwan and whose father, Brant Carroll, grew up in Seattle, has been open about his mixed-race identity and Taiwanese roots. He told The Athletic his grandparents regularly visited his family when he was younger, exposing them to “amazing food,” before he finally took his first trip to their homeland when he was 13 years old. In October, he became the first player of Taiwanese descent to play in the World Series. “My grandparents lived over there and my mom was born over there. Just bringing some pride and attention to Taiwanese baseball and that side of my heritage, I take a lot of pride in that,” he told MLB.com.” From @nbcasianamerica — https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/corbin-carroll-makes-history-first-asian-american-mlb-rookie-year-rcna125188

We were grateful to attend the California premier

We were grateful to attend the California premier of ISLAND IN BETWEEN as part of the New York Times Op-Docs block of the San Francisco Film Festival this week, and to speak with Leo @sleochiang about his fascination with subjects that “find themselves in the margins,” including himself.⁠
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ISLAND IN BETWEEN has the intimacy of a personal story (Chiang’s father had served as a military doctor at Kinmen and his parents’ visit was captured in the film), but largely avoids a specific perspective of or from its people. Rather... Chiang deftly observes the residents of Kinmen, where propaganda and tourism must somehow converge to sustain life. This is a place where the beaches are also lined with anti-invasion spikes, where aging military outposts offer faded Nationalist murals as photography backdrops. It is a beautiful place where terrible things have happened, where terrible things could happen. And these are the people who have made it a home.⁠
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ISLAND IN BETWEEN is about the furtive life they’ve made in the gulf between peace and invasion, the everyday life that carries on when neither are guaranteed. This margin of tranquility and tension – where the residents are largely safe but military drills occur daily – resonated with Chiang as a transnational navigating Taiwanese, American, and Chinese spaces.⁠
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Look for ISLAND IN BETWEEN, soon on New York Times Op-Docs.⁠
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Full thoughts: https://www.taiwaneseamerican.org/2023/11/s-leo-chiang-island-in-between-kinmen/⁠

Vanessa Hope's "Invisible Nation" offers an affect

Vanessa Hope's "Invisible Nation" offers an affecting portrait of Taiwan through an impressive lineup of interviews, not just with President Tsai Ing-wen (though she's the most prominently featured), but with an array of historians, activists, academics, and politicians, thoughtfully interspersed with archive footage. Together, they offer a comprehensive narrative about Taiwan's many paradoxes: being globally influential but systematically excluded, existing in de facto independence but threatened with war if it declares itself such, being of strategic importance but denied diplomatic alliances. In all of these, a common threat looms - that of the People's Republic of China. ⁠
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We were grateful to have the opportunity to attend its second Northern California screening, this time in Palo Alto. ⁠
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While an ambivalent or otherwise less-invested audience will serve as a different litmus test for the success of "Invisible Nation," as a Taiwanese American I was immensely touched by the clear care Hope extended towards Taiwan and the trust she placed in the source material to be worthy of documentation. At a time when so many are clamoring to speak on behalf of Taiwan for their own political or capital gain, it means so much to see longtime advocates, researchers, and caretakers of Taiwan interviewed as the true perspectives of our quiet revolution. ⁠
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Taiwan's continued resilience relies on truth-telling, both to reconcile its own historical wounds and to protect itself against the dangerous fictions levied by the People's Republic of China. "Invisible Nation" is a timely and meaningful part of this work.
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The next planned screening of Invisible Nation will be on November 7 at the University of Washington campus in partnership with the UW East Asia Center, the Taiwanese Association of Greater Seattle, and the Seed Kite Foundation, the UW Taiwan Studies Arts & Culture Program.⁠
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Full thoughts: https://www.taiwaneseamerican.org/2023/11/vanessa-hope-invisible-nation/

Always a delight to showcase even a small cross-se

Always a delight to showcase even a small cross-section of the growing Taiwanese American literature canon. Today, we brought some kid lit, middle grade, and YA favorites to a bay area Halloween night market where we got to introduce some great books to families in creative costumes 👻 🎃

Boooo 會吧 👻😱 From Taiwan News: “Pizza H

Boooo 會吧 👻😱
From Taiwan News: “Pizza Hut Taiwan has released a Halloween special that features rice noodle rolls and chicken feet, and is said to be the world's first pizza that tells ghost stories.
The pizza portrays rice noodle rolls as little Halloween ghosts and pairs them with chicken feet, making them look like ghosts coming out of the ground and reaching with severed hands for candy. The pizza is based on a thin crispy crust, topped with a Korean-style special spicy sauce and a secret seasoning that creates a multi-layered flavor. It is topped with sprinkles of mozzarella cheese, offering a fusion of international flavors. In addition to its appearance, the pizza is purported to be the world's first "storytelling pizza." Customers can scan the QR code on the pizza box with their phone and upload a photo of the ghostly noodles on the event page. This will provide them with access to listen to a podcaster named "Talking Story" sharing ghost stories, enhancing their sensory experience while enjoying the pizza.” Full article: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5027710

#TaiwaneseAmerican literature fall releases - ⁠

#TaiwaneseAmerican literature fall releases - ⁠
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Artifacts of an Ex by @jchenwriter⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9781250865663⁠
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Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by @lychengwrites⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9781250864994⁠
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Loveboat Forever by @abigailhingwen⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9780063297999⁠
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Island X by Wendy Cheng⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9780295752051⁠
Or use code WELCOME23 for 40% off until 10/31 through Washington Press: https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295752051/island-x/⁠
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The Night Parade by @jami_lin⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9780063213234⁠
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Organ Meats by @kmingchang⁠
Order: https://bookshop.org/a/6825/9780593447345⁠

We're grateful to share this op-ed by Taiwanese Am

We're grateful to share this op-ed by Taiwanese American musician, filmmaker, community organizer, ethnomusicologist, and public theologian SueAnn Shiah. ⁠
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For the past week, SueAnn has been participating in demonstrations with @ifnotnownyc, “a movement of American Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel’s apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis” and @jewishvoiceforpeace, “a progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organizing a grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of U.S. Jews into solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle, guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people.”⁠
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Today, she shares a compelling vision for solidarity and peace-building, rooted in the lessons, values, and histories of our own communities, including that of Taiwanese and Taiwanese Americans.⁠
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"I categorically condemn the attack that Hamas launched on October 7, 2023 killing 1400, injuring almost 4000, and taking 199 hostages–among whom were peace activists working to end the occupation in Palestine and the friends and family of people important to me in my life. That being said, groups like Hamas that use indiscriminate violence cannot be counted upon to be faithful or sole representations of the work of Palestinian liberation. As we often have to do in the Taiwanese community, it takes critical thinking to distinguish between those who claim to care about our community’s plight and those who are masking their thirst for power and violence in the name of our freedom."⁠
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Read the full essay here: https://www.taiwaneseamerican.org/2023/10/understanding-the-jewish-struggle-for-palestine-taiwanese-american-perspective/⁠
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Ceasefire now.⁠
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Note: We recognize that this is a sensitive topic for many and we welcome earnest discourse, but personal attacks are not tolerated and will be removed. ⁠

Upcoming events bulletin to support some amazing #

Upcoming events bulletin to support some amazing #TaiwaneseAmerican creatives and storytellers!⁠
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October 24 - VIRTUAL⁠
Taiwanese American ("End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood") will be speaking at a WOMEN ON THE MOVE virtual panel with Zibby Owens, Emma Grey, Brittany Means, and Alisha Fernandez Miranda. ⁠
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October 28 - CHICAGO⁠
Join @jami.lin and @cori.lin.art for the launch party of the much-anticipated THE NIGHT PARADE. This family-friendly party will feature music, food, Taiko drumming, dancing, children's activities, and books for purchase. ⁠
Register at www.bit.ly/thenightparade ⁠
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Follow @jami.lin for more author events, including virtual options.⁠
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November 03 - SAN FRANCISCO⁠
Op-Docs is the New York Times’ award-winning series of short-form documentaries showcasing some of the freshest new work by independent filmmakers. The lineup this year includes ISLAND IN BETWEEN. ⁠⁠
Taiwanese American filmmaker S. Leo Chiang weaves lyrical vignettes of tour group visits and local life with his own narrative as someone negotiating ambivalent bonds to Taiwan, China, and the US, ISLAND IN BETWEEN explores the uncomfortable peace in these islands, and contemplates Taiwan's uncertain future.⁠
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Tickets: https://sffilm.org/event/shorts-block-new-york-times-op-docs/⁠
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November 07 - SEATTLE⁠
Join Seattle Civic Poet, Shin Yu Pai for a reading with poet laureates Laura Da' and Arianne True. Shin Yu Pai is the current Civic Poet of the City of Seattle. Shin Yu is the host and creator of Ten Thousand Things, a chart-topping podcast of Asian American stories produced by KUOW, Seattle's NPR affiliate station.⁠
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Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poets-laureate-reading-tickets-704849994307⁠
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November 12 - DECATUR⁠
Join @abigailhingwen for the launch party of LOVEBOAT, FOREVER! at Little Shop of Stories. ⁠
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Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abigail-hing-wen-loveboat-forever-tickets-738176665277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch⁠
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November 18 - MULTIPLE SCREENINGS⁠
Catch fall screenings of "Lunchbox" by @annehufilms in New York, Philadelphia. and Pittsburgh⁠
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Solidarity with Palestine. Demand ceasefire now.⁠
⁠
Donate:⁠
@medicalaidpal⁠
@islamicreliefusa⁠
@thepcrf⁠
⁠
Witness:⁠
@eye.on.palestine⁠
@middleeasteye

We're pleased to co-present a virtual event with T

We're pleased to co-present a virtual event with Taiwan Cafe Meetup Group to celebrate Taiwan's culinary heritage and Clarissa Wei’s new book, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island.⁠
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Clarissa Wei is a freelance journalist based in Taipei. Born in Los Angeles but raised on the food of Taiwan, she has been writing about the cuisines and cultures of Taiwan and China for over a decade. ⁠
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Her new publication is more than just a cookbook; it is a comprehensive literary documentary of Taiwan’s culinary landscape, its history and our relationships with food. Full of passion for the island nation and in-depth research, the book provides insights on Taiwanese culture as well as cooking tips and recipes with ingredients that you can find in the U.S. supermarkets. Her cookbook is now available wherever books are sold. Signed copies are available at Omnivore Books in SF.⁠
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Stacy Tang, who founded Taiwan Bento in Oakland, will join us as the co-host of the discussion with Clarissa Wei. Stacy was described by KQED as the pioneer of Taiwanese food in the East Bay. Since she stepped back from the restaurant last year for personal reasons, she continues to support her community and all things related to Taiwan.⁠
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Reserve your free ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explore-taiwan-culinary-heritage-with-clarissa-wei-tickets-725488895817?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Submit a question for the Q&A: https://forms.gle/7uQ1DEEKA3moU4Vf8

Invisible Nation, directed by Vanessa Hope, has it

Invisible Nation, directed by Vanessa Hope, has its US premiere at Woodstock Film Festival, followed by screenings at Mill Valley Film Festival, and SIFF-Seattle International Film Festival. ⁠
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"Taiwan’s live-free-or-die spirit is embodied by progressive President Tsai Ing-wen and youth activists who’ve shaped the country’s flourishing democracy. Under increasing threat of military invasion by totalitarian China, Taiwan seeks peaceful coexistence and the same support for its free sovereign state that Ukraine has gathered from the West. Xi Jinping’s regime insists on absorbing Taiwan in its One China policy, while the island nation asserts its independence and a pluralistic culture aligned with freedom movements around the world. Vanessa Hope’s arresting documentary reveals how one East Asian democratic linchpin fights for global voice and visibility while its bigger neighbor pressures its allies, the US included, to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and exclude it from global organizations. With urgency and verve, the film offers a deep dive into Taiwan’s — and democracy’s — urgent fight for survival." —Carol Harada⁠
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Get your tickets today: ⁠
1) Woodstock Film Festival⁠
Fri, Sep 29th, 11:00 AM @ Bearsville Theater⁠
Sat, Sep 30th, 6:30 PM @ Orpheum Theatre⁠
🎟️ https://woodstock2023.eventive.org/films/invisible-nation-64de715c4de241002c738247
2) Mill Valley Film Festival (upstate from San Francisco):⁠
Fri, Oct 6, 5pm, Rafael Theater 2⁠
Sat, Oct 7, 11am, Rafael Theater 2⁠
🎟️ : https://www.mvff.com/program/invisible-nation/
3) Seattle International Film Festival:⁠
Sat, Oct 7, 4pm, SIFF Cinema Uptown⁠
🎟️ : https://www.siff.net/programs-and-events/docfest/invisible-nation
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For the Mill Valley Film Festival screening, #TaiwaneseAmericans novelist Shawna Yang Ryan (Green Island, Water Ghosts) and writer and educator Michelle Kuo (Reading with Patrick) are expected to attend alongside director Vanessa Hope⁠
For the Seattle screening, director Vanessa Hope and producers Ted Hope and Arie Thompson are scheduled to attend, along with James Lin (Associate Chair, UW Taiwan Studies Program) and Matt Pottinger (former Deputy National Security Advisor).

Happy MADE IN TAIWAN day to all who celebrate (aka

Savouring this powerful @latimes profile of @dearc

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Founded in 2006, TaiwaneseAmerican.org is a web portal site highlighting many of the interesting people, events and organizations that make up Taiwanese America. It is both a volunteer-driven website and a non-profit organization that intends to connect and promote those who identify with the Taiwanese identity, heritage, or culture. By establishing our niche within the broader Asian Pacific American and mainstream communities, we hope to collectively contribute to the wonderful and diverse mosaic that America represents.

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