The 28th Taipei Film Festival has officially announced the highly anticipated selection and distinguished jury for its flagship International New Talent Competition. This year’s competition will feature ten compelling emerging works from a diverse geographical spread, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, China, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, and Germany. These ten films were meticulously chosen from an impressive pool of 430 submissions, underscoring the festival’s commitment to discovering and championing fresh cinematic voices. The selected films will vie for the prestigious Grand Prize and the Special Jury Prize, with the winners set to be celebrated at a gala awards ceremony scheduled for June 30.
A Global Showcase of Emerging Talent
The International New Talent Competition serves as a crucial platform for new filmmakers to gain international recognition and connect with industry professionals. Established in 1998, the Taipei Film Festival has grown to become a significant event in the Asian film calendar, known for its focus on contemporary cinema and its dedication to fostering emerging talent. The International New Talent Competition, in particular, has a track record of identifying future cinematic stars, having previously showcased films that went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success on the global stage. The 2026 edition continues this tradition, presenting a curated selection that reflects the evolving landscape of international filmmaking and tackles a wide array of contemporary themes.
Taiwanese Cinema Takes Center Stage
Representing Taiwan in this year’s competitive lineup is the co-directed film "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish," helmed by CHAO Koi Wang and Yen HU. This narrative delves into the lives of a struggling Taiwanese youth who becomes entangled in a deceptive con operation alongside a Macanese grandmother and grandson within the atmospheric setting of an old city district. Having already premiered to critical attention at the Udine Far East Film Festival, the film arrives in Taipei bolstered by a stellar cast. Leading the ensemble are Taipei Film Awards Best Actor Kai KO, who reportedly underwent a significant physical transformation by gaining 10 kilograms for his role, marking what is being described as one of the most nuanced performances of his career. He is joined by the esteemed Golden Horse winner Kara WAI, also known by her name Jin Yan-ling, and the promising young talent MEI Jing-yan. The inclusion of this film highlights Taiwan’s continued strength in producing character-driven dramas with strong social undercurrents.
International Acclaim and Thematic Depth
The competition roster boasts several titles that have already garnered significant attention on the international festival circuit, signaling their strong potential for critical and audience engagement. South Korean director HAN Chang-lok’s "Funky Freaky Freaks" has already secured the Special Jury Prize at the Busan International Film Festival. This gritty, handheld cinematography-driven film confronts the pervasive issues of school bullying and the disturbing rise of deepfake crimes, offering a raw and unflinching look at contemporary societal challenges.
From Japan, director NAGAHISA Makoto, a three-time Sundance alumnus, presents "BURN." Starring the rising star Nana MORI, the film chronicles the journey of a runaway girl who finds herself in a seemingly "utopian" love hotel in Kabukicho. "BURN" is an exploration of maturity, its inherent costs, and the surreal landscapes that can emerge in the pursuit of self-discovery, pushing the boundaries of narrative convention.
Exploring Family, Memory, and Identity
Themes of family trauma and the intricate tapestry of personal memory are central to several films in this year’s selection. Spanish director Lucía ALAEZ IGLESIAS makes her mark with "Forastera," a film that has already captivated audiences and critics, earning the FIPRESCI Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival. The narrative follows a young girl spending her summer holidays on an island, where she begins to inhabit her late grandmother’s clothing and replicate her recipes, leading to a gradual and profound blurring of the lines between reality and performance. This poignant exploration of inherited identity and the echoes of the past promises a deeply moving cinematic experience.
Canadian-Hungarian filmmaker Sophy ROMVARI contributes "Blue Heron," a deeply personal work that employs the unfiltered perspective of a child to illuminate the often-invisible wounds and unspoken tensions that reside within an immigrant family. The film’s sensitive portrayal of intergenerational dynamics and the immigrant experience is expected to resonate with audiences grappling with similar themes of belonging and cultural inheritance.
Coming-of-Age Narratives and Societal Reflections
The theme of coming-of-age, a perennial favorite in cinematic storytelling, is also prominently featured, offering diverse perspectives on youth, transition, and self-discovery. The Argentine filmmaking duo Lorenzo FERRO and Lucas A. VIGNALE will present "The River Train," a selection that previously screened in the Berlinale Perspectives section. The film centers on a boy’s solitary train journey as he seeks to escape the confines of strict dance training, charting a course towards personal liberation and artistic autonomy.
Adding another dimension to this theme is Spanish director Jaume CLARET MUXART’s "Strange River." This film chronicles a cycling trip along the Danube River, transforming a physical journey into a poetic exploration of awakening desire and the profound realizations that often accompany familial introspection. The narrative suggests a contemplative and visually rich experience, where the landscape mirrors the internal emotional terrain of the characters.
Broader Societal and Political Commentary
Beyond personal journeys, the competition also delves into more expansive questions of cultural pressures, political landscapes, and the quest for social visibility. Tibetan director Kangdrun’s "Linka Linka," winner of Best Film in the Firebird Young Cinema Competition at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, is a testament to patient observation. Shot over three years, the film offers an intimate portrait of young women in Lhasa navigating the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, capturing the challenges and aspirations of a generation caught between two worlds.
From the United Kingdom, Oscar HUDSON’s "Straight Circle" is a significant addition, having secured the Grand Prize at Venice Critics’ Week. This film utilizes a political allegory, exploring the mirrored relationships between soldiers from two nations, offering a critical examination of conflict, identity, and the cyclical nature of international relations. The film’s allegorical approach suggests a thought-provoking and potentially challenging viewing experience.
Adding a touch of wit and social satire, Samuel ABRAHAMS’ mockumentary comedy "Lady" has already earned him the Best Director award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Starring Sian Clifford, known for her role in the acclaimed series "Fleabag," the film employs a magical-realist premise to explore the experiences of individuals rendered invisible by the overwhelming spectacle of reality television. This entry promises a clever and insightful commentary on media saturation and the search for genuine human connection in a hyper-visible world.
The Complete Lineup and Jurors
The full slate for the 2026 International New Talent Competition comprises:
- "Blue Heron" by Sophy ROMVARI
- "BURN" by NAGAHISA Makoto
- "Forastera" by Lucía ALAEZ IGLESIAS
- "Funky Freaky Freaks" by HAN Chang-lok
- "I Blew Out the Candles Before Making a Wish" by CHAO Koi Wang and Yen HU
- "Lady" by Samuel ABRAHAMS
- "Linka Linka" by Kangdrun
- "The River Train" by Lorenzo FERRO and Lucas A. VIGNALE
- "Straight Circle" by Oscar HUDSON
- "Strange River" by Jaume CLARET MUXART
The esteemed International Jury tasked with evaluating these diverse cinematic works will be presided over by Sabrina BARACETTI, the President of the Udine Far East Film Festival. Her leadership is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a keen eye for cinematic excellence to the judging process. The jury panel is further strengthened by the inclusion of notable figures from the film industry: Taipei Film Awards Best Actress Nikki HSIEH, Golden Horse Best Director Jun LI, the acclaimed director LIEN Yi-chi of "Light the Night," and Eiko MIZUNO-GRAY, CEO of Loaded Films and producer of the Oscar-nominated film "Plan 75." This diverse group of jurors brings a wide range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring a thorough and insightful evaluation of each film.
In addition to the main competition awards, the Taiwan Director’s Association Recommendation Award will be adjudicated by a separate panel comprising Hou Chi-jan, Tsai Yin-chuan, and Li Yun-chan. The Audience Choice Award, a testament to the viewers’ connection with the films, will also be announced during the June 30 ceremony.
The New Talent Forum: A Hub for Emerging Voices
Complementing the competition, the International New Talent Forum is scheduled to take place on June 30. This insightful event will feature prominent figures from the selected films and the broader filmmaking community. Scheduled speakers include Golden Horse Best Director Jun LI, NAGAHISA Makoto of "BURN," and Samuel ABRAHAMS of "Lady." The forum will be centered around the theme "The Independent Filmmaking Path for New Directors," offering a vital platform for discussions on regional culture, practical filmmaking experiences, and effective international development strategies for emerging filmmakers. This initiative underscores the Taipei Film Festival’s commitment to not only showcasing new talent but also actively supporting their growth and professional development.
Festival Dates and Venues
The 28th Taipei Film Festival will run from June 26 to July 11, 2026. Screenings and events will be held across three key venues: Zhongshan Hall, SPOT-Huashan Cinema, and Eslite Art House, providing accessible and diverse locations for audiences to engage with the festival’s rich programming. The festival promises to be a significant cultural event, offering a window into the future of global cinema and celebrating the innovative spirit of emerging filmmakers.
