Premier Jiang Yi-huah watched the documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above in Taipei City today with a group of students, members of the press and director Chi Po-lin. The premier commended Chi for putting his heart and soul into the film and urged the youths to continue protecting the environment as they become active members of society.
"Watching the film was an engaging and moving experience for everyone in the audience," said the premier, applauding the superb aerial photography that captured both the island's beauty and its scars. Through the eye of the camera, the director articulated his passion for Taiwan while inspiring others to think about the ecology in more responsible ways.
"Rather than express his grievances in a belligerent manner, Chi used the film to send a gentle but firm message to the government and the people of Taiwan—that we must take a hard look at our way of life, face up to the future, and fulfill our duty to coming generations," Jiang said.
The premier encouraged students and youth to learn from Chi and see Taiwan from new perspectives. Today's youths will be entering different fields of work in the future, some even in government service, and he hopes everyone will join hands to safeguard the environment no matter where they may be.
As a member of the government, the premier feels a profound duty to protect this land, and the movie has provided an opportunity for civil servants to reflect on the role they must play. He has also spoken with Chi about what else central and local authorities can do about the problems described in the documentary, including industrial pollution of beaches and man-made threats to the land and environment. Premier Jiang made a pledge to the director that the government would work harder on these issues.
Beyond Beauty has already raked in more than NT$40 million (US$1.3 million) at the box office, becoming the highest grossing documentary in Taiwan history. The premier congratulated Chi on this remarkable performance and looks forward to more thought-provoking works from the director.