Rejoice, film lovers! The 2024 Best of INPUT Film Festival - Taichung Session is set to run from December 6 to 8 at the Assembly Hall on the 4th floor of Taichung City Hall. Information Bureau Director Luan Chih-i noted that under the theme “Expresso of Thoughts,” this year’s event, organized by Public Television Service and in collaboration with the Taichung City Government’s Information Bureau and the Taichung Film Development Foundation, presents 14 exceptional international documentaries across five sessions: Fatal Prescription, 20th Anniversary Special Session, Law of the Dark, Family Mosaic, and Mindful Dangers. These sessions delve deep into pressing global social topics. Online ticket reservations are now open and free of charge, so don’t miss out.

Famed for spotlighting impactful topics, Best of INPUT presents exceptional global public media productions, offering a premier international audiovisual experience. Director Luan expressed pleasure at the film festival's return to Taichung this year. With steadfast support from the city government and the Taichung Film Development Foundation, Best of INPUT has been hosted in Taichung for six consecutive years. Luan also thanked local residents for their enthusiastic support, with cumulative attendance exceeding 10,000 over the past five editions.

Director Luan shared that the 2024 Best of INPUT builds on its strong reputation, opening with investigative reports that uncover hidden truths within social organizations and the tech world. The 20th Anniversary Special Session revisits iconic works, offering a deep dive into topics like bullying and discrimination. Through the lens of directors’ personal documentation, the session explores the connections between blood ties and family roles, culminating in a reflection on individual experiences that leave a profound emotional impact. Film lovers in central Taiwan are encouraged to reserve tickets and enjoy the screenings.

Kuo Yuan-ling, director of the International Communications Division at Public Television Service’s International and Strategic Development Department, highlighted that this year’s curated selections act as snapshots of society. From global perspectives to personal insights, the films help audiences navigate their position amidst complex social topics. To enrich the viewing experience, the Public Television Service has specially organized post-screening discussions, providing a unique chance for viewers to interact up close.

Director Kuo shared that the “Fatal Prescription” session on December 6 will feature senior journalist Yang Chih-chiang offering a firsthand perspective on investigative reporting. On December 7, gender equality lecturer Chen Pei-chun, with extensive experience in campus lectures, will lead a discussion on the “Law of the Dark” session, exploring the ever-present threats of the digital world. On December 8, the “Family Mosaic” session will welcome Lu Ying-liang, director of A Holy Family and winner of the top prize at the 2022 Taipei Film Festival, who will discuss the film and his creative process in documenting family stories.

The Information Bureau noted that the opening and closing films of the 2024 Best of INPUT are exceptional works that have garnered widespread acclaim globally. The opening film, Discharged by Death: Inside a Japanese Mental Hospital, produced by Japan's NHK, is the result of an eight-year investigation into Japan's psychiatric healthcare system. Using surveillance footage and audio evidence provided by whistleblowers, the documentary reveals shocking truths, including the fact that 78% of patients in one psychiatric hospital were discharged only after their deaths, as well as abuse and unlawful restraints. This documentary has earned notable accolades such as the 2023 ABU Best Documentary Award and the 49th Broadcasting Culture Fund Award. It also sparked a massive reaction on Japanese social media, with over 9 million discussions that prompted the local government to take action, allowing the voices of vulnerable individuals to be heard.

The documentary Amalie is Dying, created by Denmark's TV2, serves as the festival’s closing film. It portrays the true journey of 21-year-old Amalie, who faced the end of her life after undergoing a lung transplant. Despite her circumstances, Amalie treasured her time with family and friends, embracing life to the fullest and inspiring a nationwide dialogue in Denmark about mortality. Through its exploration of life’s fragility, the film delivers a powerful message of strength and courage in confronting death, leaving a profound emotional impact. Producer Laura Gazi will join the screening session in Taichung on December 8 to lead a post-screening discussion, offering a meaningful opportunity for audience engagement.

According to the Information Bureau, the 2024 Best of INPUT Film Festival will take place in Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Taipei in succession. The Taichung event is set for December 6–8 at the Assembly Hall on the 4th floor of Taichung City Hall. Free tickets can now be reserved online. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis (https://reurl.cc/Y41XkD). Additionally, a new selection of films will be available through an online film festival on the PTS+ platform starting in late December. For more information, please check the official website (https://reurl.cc/ed3v8R) or search for “Best of INPUT” on Facebook.