Department of Cultural Affairs

To celebrate Taipei’s 140th anniversary, “Fall in Love with Taipei,” a one-of-a-kind cinematic event, is quietly taking place. Through a mix of innovative outdoor screenings and immersive indoor experiences, audiences are taken on a journey through time, offering a fresh perspective on this enchanting city.

Outdoor Screenings: Discovering Taipei’s Beauty

The event begins with eagerly awaited outdoor screenings, linking three iconic landmarks: Beitou Film Studio, Taipei Cinema Park, and The Red House. This cinematic experience seamlessly blends classic films with the city’s landscapes. As night falls and a gentle breeze stirs, audiences look up at the large screen under the night sky, where captivating scenes unfold.

A standout feature of the event is the transformation of the Beitou Film Studio, once a key site of the Central Motion Picture Co. Movie & Television Studios (one of the three pillars of Taiwan’s film industry, alongside Taiwan Film Culture Co. and Chinese Culture and Movie Center). The studio has undergone years of restoration and will briefly reopen for two days this November to feature outdoor film screenings that will take audiences back in time, as well as a lively pop-up market. Every corner of this venue tells a story of Taipei’s rich film history, offering viewers a deeper connection to the city’s cinematic heritage.

Indoor Viewing Experience: Falling in Love with Taipei Through Time

The indoor viewing experience also has its own unique appeal. The historic Bopiliao Historical Block will be showing classic films like Cloud of Romance and My Cape of Many Dreams, creating a compelling synergy between the old-style architecture and these timeless movies. Audiences will feel as if they’ve stepped back into the vibrant days of old Taipei.

In the iconic Taipei 101, the nostalgia of Bopiliao Historical Block will be balanced by the futuristic AMBI SPACE ONE. This five-sided immersive projection system transforms conventional film screenings into a fully immersive experience that offers an unprecedented sensory journey. From Edward Yang’s classic Terrorizers to Ang Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman, this innovative viewing experience allows audiences to delve into the rich culture and romance of Taipei.

By merging old and new, this event gives audiences a chance to explore Taipei’s multifaceted charm and rediscover their love for every corner of this city.

Special Exhibition Theme: Fall in Love with Taipei

The concept underpinning this special exhibition is “Cinematic Taipei,” and the exhibition delves into the deep connection between film and the city using three themes—Taipei Film Studios, Taipei Cinemas, and Seeing Taipei.

In the Taipei Film Studios section, one can revisit the three major state-run studios that played pivotal roles in Taipei’s film history: CMPC Studio, TFC, and CCMC. Not only iconic filming locations etched in the memories of countless Taiwanese people, these studios were also vital witnesses to the flourishing development of Taipei’s film industry.

The Taipei Cinemas section shines a spotlight on Ximending, a significant landmark in Taipei’s film culture. Since the Japanese colonial period, the western district has been a bustling hub for commerce and entertainment in Taipei. Particularly in the 1960s and 70s, Wuchang Street was home to the highest concentration of cinemas in Taipei, including LUX CINEMA, in89 Deluxe Digital Cinema, Sunrise Cinema, Shin Kong Cinemas, King Cinemas (國王戲院), and Queen Cinemas (皇后戲院), marking the golden age of Taipei’s film culture.

Conclusion: A Precious Encounter with Taipei

The “Fall in Love with Taipei” themed screenings will take place from September 7 to September 20 at Bopiliao Historical Block and AMBI SPACE ONE. For screening times and film listings, see the AMBI SPACE ONE website. The exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays) from September 4 to 17, 2024, in Exhibition Rooms 129 and 131 in Bopiliao Historical Block. Film lovers and fans of Taipei are welcome.

“Fall in Love with Taipei” is not just a celebration of Taipei’s 140th anniversary; it is also a profound dialogue with the city. Through these carefully selected films, audiences will rediscover Taipei’s beauty and charm and experience its growth and transformation over the past 140 years.

Let us embark on an unforgettable love affair with this vibrant city. In the moving pictures of cinema, we will rediscover Taipei, reliving its past, embracing its present, and envisioning its future.

This unique cinematic event is set to write a new chapter in Taipei’s cultural history, leaving lasting memories with all who take part.