DPP promotes Taiwan’s disadvantaged through the film Night Market Hero

On February 15, DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen, along with Secretary-General Su Chia-
chuan and Deputy Secretary-General Kao Chieng-chih, held a private screening
of the newly released Taiwanese film, Night Market Hero. The DPP organized the
screening for the more than one hundred party staff from the DPP headquarters.
Also present were the film’s director Yeh Tian-lun, screenwriters Yeh Tan-ching,
actress Yan Yi-wen and special guest Cheng Chih-hong.

Night Market Hero tells the story of a group of night market vendors whose
livelihoods are threatened by big corporate interests and corrupt politicians. The
film also portrays their life stories through funny and sentimental vignettes of each
character. It has grossed more than NT$90 million since the opening.

Chair Tsai spoke after the film was shown, saying that market vendors represent
a good and honest group within Taiwanese society who live behind the possibility
[not sure what “behind the possibility” is supposed to mean. perhaps “who are,
in fact, one of Taiwan’s most vulnerable groups”?]that they are also the most
vulnerable group. She said that, even though the film portrayed them as living in
joy and bustling with excitement, the real meaning of the film was that “behind the
joy, in reality is a life without choice”. She also reminded the party staff that the DPP
in opposition [think I would drop the “in opposition” – might leave one with the
impression that once the DPP is in power it could forget about them? Perhaps: as
a party which emphasizes social justice, the DPP must think…or as the opposition
party the DPP ]must think and speak for the disadvantaged groups.

Chair Tsai also said that the film scenario held a special meaning for the DPP as a
political party familiar with banners and mobilizing people on the streets. She said
that since the last transition of power, the DPP has faced an unfavorable political
environment, and, therefore, identifies with the night market vendors presented
in the film. However, she emphasized that even at a disadvantage, the DPP as a
political party had the social responsibility to achieve society’s goals.

“The film has many good and funny moments, making us identify with the plot,
but there are also many moments when one feels deeply emotional [maybe
better “moved” than emotional. Laughter is an emotion but “moved” has the sense
of deeply touched in a somewhat sad way by what has been viewed],” Chair Tsai
said. “This movie increased the DPP’s sense of responsibility for the future. We want
to thank Director Yeh and his entire team for giving inspiration to the DPP.”

Director Yeh Tian-lun also spoke to party staff after the screening, saying that he
was portraying the public’s sentiments from his own observations.

“I don’t dare to say that I am representing the public’s voice,” he said. “In reality, I
deeply and sincerely hope that in our livelihoods [“livelihoods”? perhaps “lives”],
we can see more win-win situations such as those portrayed in the film.”

He also said to the media afterward that he hoped that more political figures in
Taiwan see the film. He emphasized that he didn’t dare to represent the entire
public, but he wanted to show a part of the public’s sentiments through the film.

DPP promotes Taiwan’s disadvantaged through the film Night Market Hero