August 8, 2024, Hsu Chih-ying
In 2000, Chiu Li-wei was studying in the Graduate Institute of Animation at Tainan National University of the Arts, located in the mountains. While his classmates were heading north or abroad for development, seemingly everyone was eager to leave and go further. He eventually produced his first animated short film, "the forest," featuring a character sitting on a tree branch, gazing at a distant, prosperous city. This was a microcosm of all the longing, desire, and confusion Chiu Li-wei, then in Tainan, felt when looking towards Taipei.
In the 24 years since graduating from Tainan National University of the Arts, Chiu Li-wei has worked in Hollywood, USA, and pursued a Ph.D. in Directing at the Beijing Film Academy. His works have won numerous awards at domestic and international film festivals, as well as the Golden Horse and Golden Bell Awards. He owns the well-known IP "Barkley the Cat," and in 2024, his animated feature film "Pigsy"—a work he directed from his studio2 in Tainan—was released in cinemas across Taiwan.
For Chiu Li-wei, Tainan, unlike other cities, is his hometown with its own uniquely elegant pace. In 2024, despite moments of confusion, he returned to Tainan. From "the forest" to "Pigsy," Chiu Li-wei established his creative direction: to tell stories about his surroundings.
▲Chiu Li-wei at his studio, holding a standee of his original IP "Barkley the Cat"
"I want to create works that no one has seen before, works that belong to Taiwan."
Having experienced American Hollywood and Japanese classic animation, and then looking back at the early days of animation outsourcing in Taiwan, Chiu Li-wei believes that creating works with unique Taiwanese characteristics, rather than imitating what others are constantly doing, is the path he wants to take.
The unique aesthetic style presented in this year's sci-fi animated feature film "Pigsy" is different from American Pixar or Japanese animation, possessing original Taiwanese creativity. The story also discusses issues related to identity with one's surroundings. The old city and the new world in the film respectively represent people's original belonging and those seemingly glamorous places they yearn for elsewhere. Through such a plot, Chiu Li-wei invites viewers to ponder where we should go and where we come from.
▲Chiu Li-wei with "Pigsy" merchandise
Taiwanese animation still has a long way to go, but "I think we should be more confident in ourselves," Chiu Li-wei says. This dedication and curiosity towards Taiwanese animation will continue to accompany Chiu Li-wei as he contributes to the Taiwanese animation industry.
The 2024 Kuandu International Animation Festival, held at National Taipei University of the Arts, will invite Director Chiu Li-wei to host an industry lecture. All interested individuals are welcome to participate and listen to Director Chiu Li-wei share his passion for Taiwanese animation.