From the beginning, Tsai Ming-liang has been recognized as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary film — praise quickly reflected by the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion for VIVE L’AMOUR (1994), only his second theatrical feature. Countless other accolades would follow, but even as Tsai’s influence proved formative on a new breed of contemplative cinema, he’s continued to walk his own path, crafting a unique oeuvre of wry humor, haunting stillness, queer desires, and urban anomie. In recent years, Tsai has gone even further off the beaten path, eschewing conventional channels of financing and distribution to focus on commissioned work, like the globe-trotting, ten-part “Walker” series. For his first visit to Austin — joined by steadfast muse/screen presence Lee Kang-sheng and newer collaborator Anong Houngheuangsy — the AFS and the Austin Asian American Film Festival present a selection of works from throughout Tsai’s career, including ABIDING NOWHERE (2024), the first U.S.-set “Walker” project; a 35mm screening of the classic WHAT TIME IS IT THERE? (2001); Tsai, Lee, and Anong’s inaugural teaming in DAYS (2020); and rarely-screened examples of Tsai’s early TV work (BOYS, 1991) and documentary forays (AUTUMN DAYS, 2016). With Tsai, Lee, and Anong in attendance at select screenings, “Time Passes: Thirty-five Years with Tsai Ming-liang” promises a wide-ranging overview for newcomers and exciting discoveries for longtime followers.
This program is made possible by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan (Republic of China), with additional support provided by the Taiwan Academy of the Economic and Cultural Office in Houston. Special thanks to our Airline Sponsor, EVA Airways.
