The 2025 edition of the Taiwan Film Festival in New Delhi opened on December 12 at PVR Priya Cinema, Vasant Vihar, setting the stage for two days of cinematic exchange, cultural dialogue and creative collaboration between Taiwan and India. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India, the festival brings an engaging showcase of contemporary Taiwanese cinema to Indian audiences, while marking a historic milestone in bilateral cultural relations.
This year’s opening carried particular significance with the special preview of Demon Hunters, the first-ever feature film co-produced by Taiwan and India. The screening underscored the growing creative synergies between the two film industries and positioned cinema as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural storytelling.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Prof. Mumin Chen, Representative of TECC in India; lead Indian actor Arjan Bajwa; Indo–Taiwanese co-producers Gayathiri Guliani and Cindy Shyu Theil; actor Jayanta; and a distinguished gathering of filmmakers, cultural leaders and members of the diplomatic community.
A Cinematic First
Directed by Mei-Juin Chen, Demon Hunters opened the festival as both a crowd-pleaser and a symbolic milestone. The supernatural action-comedy weaves elements of Taiwanese folklore with Indian narrative energy, enlivened by classic Bollywood-style musical flourishes. The result is a visually dynamic, genre-bending film that signals a new chapter in India–Taiwan creative collaboration.
The story follows Tommy, a fraudulent Taiwanese exorcist-turned-YouTuber who is unexpectedly forced to confront genuine supernatural forces. His unlikely ally is Sanjay, an Indian, tech-savvy exorcist-in-training driven by a deeply personal mission to avenge his grandfather, Babaji. Together, they embark on a high-octane, culturally hybrid adventure that celebrates humour, courage and the spirit of cross-border camaraderie.
Strengthening Cultural Bridges Through Cinema
Addressing the audience at the opening, Prof. Mumin Chen reflected on the festival’s evolving role as a cultural bridge. “The Taiwan Film Festival has always been a window into Taiwan’s cultural soul, but this year’s edition carries special significance,” he said. “With the premiere of Demon Hunters, we are celebrating not just a film, but a remarkable partnership between Taiwanese and Indian creators. This collaboration embodies the shared values of imagination, resilience and storytelling that unite our societies.”
An avid film enthusiast himself, Chen emphasised the power of cinema to transcend borders. “Cinema bridges distances, sparks dialogue and fosters empathy. Through this festival, we hope to deepen Taiwan–India cultural exchange, encourage future co-productions and inspire new connections between our people. I am delighted that this journey begins here in New Delhi.”
A Shared Creative Language
Speaking to the media, lead actor Arjan Bajwa described the film as a rare and enriching creative experience. “Working on Demon Hunters allowed me to step into a world where Taiwanese mysticism meets Indian spirit and energy. It’s a beautiful fusion,” he said. Bajwa added that collaborating with the Taiwanese team was both refreshing and deeply rewarding. “The film reflects our shared love for storytelling, music, fantasy and emotional depth. I believe audiences in both countries will feel the humour, excitement and heart that went into making it. It’s an honour that our film opens this festival.”
A Window into Taiwan’s Contemporary Stories
Beyond its landmark opening film, the 2025 Taiwan Film Festival presents two critically acclaimed Taiwanese titles that offer compelling insights into the island’s society, heritage and global influence.
A Chip Odyssey is a powerful documentary tracing the rise of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading semiconductor innovator. Through rare access and incisive storytelling, the film highlights Taiwan’s central role in shaping the global technology ecosystem and the future of advanced manufacturing.
Hunter Brothers, an emotionally resonant drama, turns its lens on Taiwan’s Indigenous communities. Exploring themes of family, tradition and identity, the film delicately examines the tensions and continuities between modern life and ancestral heritage, celebrating Indigenous resilience and cultural depth.
Cinema as Cultural Travel
Together, the festival’s films offer more than entertainment; they serve as cultural journeys, inviting Indian audiences to experience Taiwan’s landscapes, histories and contemporary realities through the lens of cinema. With Demon Hunters setting a precedent for cross-border collaboration, the 2025 Taiwan Film Festival not only showcases storytelling excellence but also reinforces cinema’s role as a powerful conduit for cultural understanding and creative exchange between Taiwan and India.
