2024/7/21 Lin Tzu-Yu
As the highly anticipated 2024 Guandu International Animation Festival approaches, many Taiwanese-produced animated films are poised to become the festival's highlight. Director Wang Shih-Wei of "The Forest of Monsters" will also appear as a guest speaker for an industry lecture. Director Wang Shih-Wei possesses extensive experience in the field of computer animation, having participated in numerous international co-productions for films, TV commercials, and animated videos, making his appearance at the Guandu Animation Festival highly anticipated.
Becoming a director is not an overnight achievement. Director Wang Shih-Wei shared that before becoming a director, he was even a medical student, working in dissection rooms and dialysis units that he disliked, which became the most difficult period of his life.
Even after finally being able to pursue what he loved, he encountered many difficulties. Given the underdeveloped state of Taiwan's animation industry, finding willing investors was the first challenge. Furthermore, issues with company staffing and technical training at one point made him want to give up, contemplating selling tea leaves or opening a cram school to teach children drawing. However, with the support of family and friends and a series of serendipitous turns, he ultimately became the Director Wang Shih-Wei he is today.
Beyond his revered status as a director, Wang Shih-Wei also holds another identity: a loving, ordinary father. The animated film "The Forest of Monsters" is a heartfelt letter delivered across time and space to his daughter, hoping to accompany her growth. As he grew older, he worried about not being able to be with his child forever. With this sentiment as his starting point, he produced an animated film that begins from a child's perspective, guiding children to learn, move forward, and be brave in exploration and acceptance, much like the line from Laki's father in the film:
"Dad can't always be by your side; if you fall, you have to get up yourself."
This is a father's sincere and firm message he wished to convey to his daughter.
During the long decade of the film's production, Director Wang Shih-Wei also experienced challenging situations, much like the film's young protagonists Laki and Luda, from an initial burst of passion to working partners successively leaving the team. Despite this, Director Wang Shih-Wei never gave up, just as Luda in the film ultimately exclaims, "Fear makes me stronger." This line encapsulates Director Wang Shih-Wei's unwavering determination on the arduous path of filmmaking.
The 2024 Guandu International Animation Festival is about to begin. Following the screening of "The Forest of Monsters" on the evening of October 24th, a post-screening discussion will be held. We look forward to meeting Director Wang Shih-Wei at this rich animation event, and like Laki in the film, charging into the unknown forest to adventure, learn, and become a stronger self!