Dear colleagues and friends,
We are delighted to share details of a series of screenings and events in the UK marking the 70th anniversary of Taiwanese-language cinema (taiyupian). The programme focuses particularly on the musical and operatic roots of early Taiwanese-language film, especially the relationship between gezaixi opera and taiyupian.
The events will feature screenings of restored classics including Xue Pinggui and Wang Baochuan (1955/1956) and The Wandering of Three Siblings (1962), alongside introductions and discussions by specialists in film restoration, Taiwanese cinema, gezaixi, and ethnomusicology. The programme brings together scholars and audiences across several UK universities and cinemas.
11 June 2026 – Leicester
The Wandering of Three Siblings (流浪三兄妹)
Attenborough Film Theatre, University of Leicester
14:00–16:00
Introduced by Dr Liu Nan-Fang (National Cheng Kung University) and Dr Ming-yeh Rawnsley (SOAS University of London), followed by Q&A.
Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/accentedwriting/2217364
11 June 2026 – Cardiff
Music in Taiyupian: Screening and Discussion
School of Journalism, Media and Culture, University of Cardiff
Featuring Xue Pinggui and Wang Baochuan, introduced by Professor Nancy Guy (UC San Diego) and Professor Chris Berry (King’s College London), followed by Q&A
Registration: Cardiff screening and discussion booking page
12 June 2026 – SOAS University of London
“Starting from Music: 70 Years of Taiyupian” Symposium and Screenings
BGLT, SOAS Brunei Gallery, and KLT, SOAS Main Building
10:00-16:00
The day will begin at 10:00 with the screening of The Wandering of Three Siblings. The symposium (13:30-16:00) will explore the historical and musical connections between gezaixi opera and Taiwanese-language cinema, with presentations by Dr Tseng Chi-Hsien (TNNUA), Professor Nancy Guy (UC San Diego) and Dr Liu Nan-Fang (National Cheng Kung University).
Further details and registration: SOAS symposium and screenings page
12 June 2026 – The Garden Cinema, London
Xue Pinggui and Wang Baochuan (薛平貴與王寶釧)
19:00 (with introduction)
A rare opportunity to watch the restored gezaixi opera film whose 1956 release launched the Taiwanese-language film industry. Rediscovered in 2013 and restored by TNNUA, the film has been newly subtitled in English for UK audiences.
Booking information: Garden Cinema screening page
15 June 2026 – Sheffield
The Wandering of Three Siblings (流浪三兄妹)
The Diamond LT 1, University of Sheffield
15:00–17:00
Introduced by Professor Nancy Guy (UC San Diego) and Dr Ming-yeh Rawnsley (SOAS University of London), followed by Q&A
Details see the poster attached.
These events form part of the broader Taiwanese-Language Cinema 70th Anniversary Project, organised in partnership with institutions including King’s College London, Taiwan Ministry of Culture, Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA), Taiwan Film & Audiovisual Institute (TFAI), SOAS University of London, Chinese Cinema Project of Garden Cinema, University of Cardiff, University of Leicester, and University of Sheffield.
Please feel free to circulate this information to colleagues, students, and anyone interested in Taiwanese cinema, opera, music, and cultural history.
‘The hunt for Taiwan’s lost movies’, Dr Tseng Chi-hsien, Taipei Times, 31 May 2026: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2026/05/31/2003858260
