Reviving Classic Literature Through Visual Storytelling The 5th "Li Ang's Literary Work Microfilm Contest" Showcases Creative Energy of a New Generation

Encouraging young students to reinterpret Taiwan's classic literature through visual storytelling has been a central theme of the Li Ang Museum in recent years. Following this tradition, the awards ceremony for the 5th "Li Ang's Literary Work Microfilm Contest" was held on November 29, 2024, at the Li Ang Museum at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). This year’s competition featured 15 interdisciplinary teams from institutions such as National Taiwan University of Arts, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National United University, Tamkang University, Ming Chuan University, and Providence University. The teams tackled themes ranging from gender and politics to social issues, women’s empowerment, and human rights, adapting Li Ang’s literary works into visual narratives that invite audiences to rediscover Taiwan’s literary classics.

The awards ceremony was officiated by NCHU Vice President Chuan-mu Chen, Advanced Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences Director Tung-chieh Tsai, and writer Li Ang herself. Li Ang praised the contest entries, expressing amazement at the creative potential of the younger generation. She noted that this year’s submissions were particularly outstanding and innovative, showcasing the students’ ability to reinterpret her works with imaginative perspectives and presenting the diverse dimensions of her literature through their adaptations.

•First Prize: "Break Free"
Created by students from Ming Chuan University’s Department of Radio and Television and Department of Audiovisual Journalism and Social Media Communication, this microfilm drew inspiration from The Visible Ghost and the story " Hidden Ghost ." The team modernized the ghost story by incorporating the contemporary theme of bullying and highlighting the societal pressures faced by women. Li Ang commended the film’s layered imagery, which juxtaposes the experiences of two women, calling it a noteworthy achievement.

•Second Prize: "Fei"
Produced by a team from Ming Chuan University’s Department of Radio and Television and Department of Advertising and Strategic Marketing, Fei was inspired by The Flower Season. The film explores a young girl’s romantic fantasies about love and sexuality with a simple yet precise narrative. Li Ang was impressed by this polished campus romance piece, which also won the "Audience Choice Award" with over 13,000 YouTube views within a month.

•Third Prize: "Beef Noodles"
Adapted from Yuanyang Spring Dietary and the story "Beef Noodles" by students from the National Taiwan University of Arts’ Department of Graphic Communication Arts, this film delves into the intersection of food, history, and politics. It captures the rhythm of Taiwan’s social and historical narratives with evocative visuals and heartfelt narration, which Li Ang praised for staying true to the essence of the original text.

•Fourth Prize: "Lovely dolly"
A collaborative effort by students from Tamkang University’s Department of Information and Communication, Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, and Department of English, this microfilm retained the intricate dynamics of a woman’s relationship with her husband as depicted in "The Curvy Dolls." The film innovatively visualized internal psychological struggles, giving the protagonist’s true desires a haunting, suspenseful quality.

Fostering Creativity Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Since its inception in 2020, the NCHU " Li Ang's Literary Work Microfilm Contest " has inspired numerous young teams to explore their creative potential through visual storytelling. The competition encourages students to form cross-campus and interdisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative spirit that bridges generational perspectives and literary creation. Looking forward, the contest aims to continue inspiring more audiences to engage with Taiwan’s classic literature from fresh and innovative angles.