By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The documentary film "Travel with a Mission," directed by Golden Horse Best Director Lin Cheng-sheng, sparked widespread excitement after the official release of its trailer on the film’s website on September 17. In just two and a half minutes, the trailer weaves together the journeys of six young travelers from Taiwan as they embark on missions to six countries around the world. This is the first Taiwanese documentary to span five continents and nine countries, documenting the journey of young Taiwanese exploring themselves and the world. It encourages young people to venture from Taiwan to the world, and then bring the world back to Taiwan. A premiere event will be held at Taipei Arena on October 28, with nationwide theatrical release on October 30. To get tickets for the premiere, visit the Scenic Spots Family Facebook fan page.
"Travel with a Mission" is directed by Golden Horse Best Director Lin Cheng-sheng. (Photo provided by World Citizens Island)
"Travel with a Mission" follows six young Taiwanese individuals, each with unique traits and backgrounds, who respond to the call of distant lands. They venture alone to Japan, Malawi, France, Fiji, the Netherlands, and Madagascar, embarking on a journey to explore the unknown while also listening to their inner voices. Director Lin Cheng-sheng traveled across various countries to track the footsteps of these travelers, boldly employing a non-linear narrative style that frequently cuts between different nations. Lin believes the six travelers in the film are not the most outstanding or exceptional — they are, in fact, just as ordinary and passionate as all young Taiwanese. He said: “I didn’t choose the most outstanding ones who could complete grand or perfect missions... but to portray different personalities and life states. Through their first reactions, we see the full spectrum of this generation: What are these young people thinking? Where do they think their future is headed?”
Listen to the inner voice of each traveler through the "Travel with a Mission" documentary. (Photo provided by World Citizens Island)
Among the six travelers, the most talked-about is French-bound traveler Wu Bojun. Bojun, who suffers from lupus and Asperger's syndrome, has gone through twenty years of struggle and confusion. Those around him either ignored him or called him “stupid.” Fond of drawing, he speaks slowly and woodenly: “If I can paint as well as da Vinci, everyone will be my friend.” Since picking up a brush, he has drawn thousands of versions of the Mona Lisa’s smile, capturing the mysterious subtlety of her lips. “The hardest part of painting the Mona Lisa is the light on her face.” If he can stand before the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, he wants to paint that light.
"Travel with a Mission" documents the different life states and travel paths of travelers to six countries. (Photo provided by World Citizens Island)
It’s hard to imagine how he, who even struggles to speak Chinese, finds his way, buys tickets, and rides the subway in a strange metropolis. He often takes wrong turns, and every detour means starting over. Two weeks later, he can go out alone, walk to the Louvre, watch the crowds come and go, and only return late at night. Bojun’s story received an overwhelmingly positive response at the preview screening, with the crew jokingly saying: “This feels more like a feature film.”
Chinese poster for "Travel with a Mission." (Photo provided by World Citizens Island)
Additionally, a highlight widely discussed in the trailer is the theme song — a classic Taiwanese Hokkien hit from over 20 years ago, "Step Forward." The production team revealed that the film’s score was produced by musician Lin Chang-jie. During the planning stages of the documentary, the team unanimously agreed to use this song as the theme, expressing the hope that no matter what challenges Taiwan faces, it can bravely step forward. Lin Cheng-sheng specially invited the popular band Fire EX. and Lin Chang-jie to rearrange and re-record the song, bringing together musicians of two generations to sing a blessing facing challenges. A new version of the "Step Forward" movie MV will also be released along with the film."Travel with a Mission" will hold its premiere at Taipei Arena on October 28 and will be released nationwide on October 30. To be among the first to get premiere tickets, visit the Scenic Spots Family Facebook fan page.