The Kavalan people, an Indigenous group from Taiwan’s eastern coast, have endured a long history of displacement. For decades, they were officially classified under “Other Indigenous Groups” by the government. After years of persistent advocacy, the Kavalan regained their official recognition in late 2002—a milestone that marked not only the restoration of their name but also the revival of their nearly lost craft: banana fiber weaving. This documentary focuses on the stories of members of the Lala Ban Banana Fiber Workshop in Xinshe, and explores the unique weaving traditions of the Kavalan people. Beginning with the tribe’s historical background, the film takes viewers into the workshop’s daily life, examining the challenges of cultural transmission, the difficulties in marketing handmade goods, and broader issues of cultural preservation and community employment.
Screening: Friday, May 15th, 7:06-7:30 PM, The Shedd Recital Hall
Length: 23 min
Country: Taiwan
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Director(s): Will Wen-jeng Chen
Producer(s): The General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC)
Distributor: Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV)