Text by MOOK Scenic Spots compiled report Photography by Chang Ying-ying
Officials, athletes, and Bear Zan take a group photo at the press conference for the Taipei Universiade documentary (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
Premier Lai Ching-te highly praised how the Universiade united the emotions and attention of the people of Taiwan, and humorously complimented Mayor Ko Wen-je for his foresight in deciding to produce the documentary despite initial skepticism. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je also stated that this was a great shared experience for all of Taiwan and Taipei, and even now, seeing footage of the sporting events still deeply moves him.
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je presents a Bear Zan souvenir to Premier Lai Ching-te. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
During the Universiade, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism promoted a new axis of old-city tourism through the documentary and its concept, strongly boosting the tourism appeal of the old city area. This time, with the release of "Insider's Look: 2017 Taipei Universiade," the documentary fully captures moving and unforgettable moments such as the athletes’ village, the opening and closing ceremonies, the training camp, competition highlights, award ceremonies, and rehearsals.
"Insider's Look: 2017 Taipei Universiade" provides a complete record of Taipei’s Universiade. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
The interactions between athletes, coaches, and their families were also closely documented in the film, including the home life of Jiang Hongjie and Ai Fukuhara, and how Chen Chin-feng could ignite the Olympic flame with a single swing—all key moments of interest to audiences and fans—are presented in the film.
Four star athletes of the Universiade—Kuo Ching-chun, Jiang Hongjie, Chuang Chia-chia, and Hsu Shu-ching—also attended the press conference to support the documentary’s premiere. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
The film also interweaves the diverse faces of Taipei’s transformation, including the historical old city, cultural showcases, and the friendly and inclusive spirit of its citizens—vibrant images of modern Taipei. Following the success of "Insider's Look: Revitalization of Taipei’s Old City," which won the Special Jury Prize for Cultural & Historical Programming at the 2017 Houston International Film Festival, this touching new documentary further showcases the warmth, passion, and charm of Taipei and Taiwan.
Bear Zan and the four athlete guests sit in a row. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
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