"The Great Buddha+" German Premiere Sells Out, Taiwan's Democratic Echoes Bring Tears
The "Taiwan Echoes of Democracy" exhibition opened in Berlin, featuring the German premiere of director Chen Yu-Hsun's film "The Great Buddha+" to a full house. The film portrays the involuntary fates of individuals under authoritarian rule during the White Terror era, moving many audience members to tears and prompting reflection and gratitude for those who fought for democracy over the past 80 years.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 22:11
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Shang-Ying, Berlin, May 7th exclusive report) The "Taiwan Echoes of Democracy" exhibition opened in Berlin, featuring the screening of director Chen Yu-Hsun's film "The Great Buddha+". The German premiere was completely sold out. The film depicts the involuntary fates of individuals under authoritarian rule during the White Terror era, moving many audience members to tears after the screening, as they reflected on and expressed gratitude for those who fought for democracy over the past 80 years.
The "Taiwan Echoes of Democracy" exhibition is being held in Berlin from May 6th to 16th. The event combines photography, film screenings, and public lectures, and is part of the "2026 European Taiwan Culture Year" series of activities.
The organizers stated that they hope to help European audiences re-understand how Taiwan gradually moved towards democracy through historical trauma, civic action, and continuous safeguarding of freedom, via films, images, and public dialogue.
The opening film screened on May 7th, "The Great Buddha+", directed by Chen Yu-Hsun, is set during the White Terror era and portrays the suppressed, silenced, and forgotten life experiences under authoritarian rule from the perspective of ordinary people. Director Chen Yu-Hsun specially recorded a video message to greet the Berlin audience; Representative Jhy-Wey Shieh of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany attended the premiere to introduce Taiwan to the local audience.
After the film screening, many German audience members stayed to exchange and discuss, with some actively inquiring about Taiwan's transitional justice and the historical background of the White Terror. Taiwanese expatriates were deeply moved, with many shedding tears after the screening, reflecting on and expressing gratitude for those who fought for democracy over the past 80 years.
Curator Yeh Tzu-Jui told the Central News Agency that he hopes that through the selection of films, like an echo, Taiwan's democratization trajectory can be re-examined, and Taiwan's democratic experience can truly enter Berlin's public cultural space.
In addition to "The Great Buddha+", the exhibition also selected three other films, including "A Rolling Stone" which depicts social activists looking back on their lives and ideals, "Democracy, Practice in Progress" which focuses on the political participation of the Sunflower Student Movement generation, and the documentary "Eyes of Democracy" which compiles images of social movements filmed by nine Taiwanese photojournalists over many years.
During the event, two Taiwan-Germany democracy dialogue lectures will also be held. On May 9th, former National Human Rights Museum director Chen Chun-Hung and Germany-based writer Lin Yu-Li will discuss "Taiwan Amidst a Global Democratic Recession," exploring how Taiwan maintains democratic resilience through civil society amidst the resurgence of populism in Europe.
On May 16th, former East German Foreign Minister Markus Meckel, who was deeply involved in East Germany's democratic transition, will share how Germany confronted its authoritarian history and built a culture of democratic memory, allowing the historical experiences of Taiwan and Germany to engage in a cross-temporal dialogue in Berlin. (Edited by Tien Jui-Hua) 1150507
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(Central News Agency reporter Lin Shang-Ying, Berlin, May 7th exclusive report) The "Taiwan Echoes of Democracy" exhibition opened in Berlin, featuring the screening of director Chen Yu-Hsun's film "The Great Buddha+". The German premiere was completely sold out. The film depicts the involuntary fates of individuals under authoritarian rule during the White Terror era, moving many audience members to tears after the screening, as they reflected on and expressed gratitude for those who fought for democracy over the past 80 years.
The "Taiwan Echoes of Democracy" exhibition is being held in Berlin from May 6th to 16th. The event combines photography, film screenings, and public lectures, and is part of the "2026 European Taiwan Culture Year" series of activities.
The organizers stated that they hope to help European audiences re-understand how Taiwan gradually moved towards democracy through historical trauma, civic action, and continuous safeguarding of freedom, via films, images, and public dialogue.
The opening film screened on May 7th, "The Great Buddha+", directed by Chen Yu-Hsun, is set during the White Terror era and portrays the suppressed, silenced, and forgotten life experiences under authoritarian rule from the perspective of ordinary people. Director Chen Yu-Hsun specially recorded a video message to greet the Berlin audience; Representative Jhy-Wey Shieh of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany attended the premiere to introduce Taiwan to the local audience.
After the film screening, many German audience members stayed to exchange and discuss, with some actively inquiring about Taiwan's transitional justice and the historical background of the White Terror. Taiwanese expatriates were deeply moved, with many shedding tears after the screening, reflecting on and expressing gratitude for those who fought for democracy over the past 80 years.
Curator Yeh Tzu-Jui told the Central News Agency that he hopes that through the selection of films, like an echo, Taiwan's democratization trajectory can be re-examined, and Taiwan's democratic experience can truly enter Berlin's public cultural space.
In addition to "The Great Buddha+", the exhibition also selected three other films, including "A Rolling Stone" which depicts social activists looking back on their lives and ideals, "Democracy, Practice in Progress" which focuses on the political participation of the Sunflower Student Movement generation, and the documentary "Eyes of Democracy" which compiles images of social movements filmed by nine Taiwanese photojournalists over many years.
During the event, two Taiwan-Germany democracy dialogue lectures will also be held. On May 9th, former National Human Rights Museum director Chen Chun-Hung and Germany-based writer Lin Yu-Li will discuss "Taiwan Amidst a Global Democratic Recession," exploring how Taiwan maintains democratic resilience through civil society amidst the resurgence of populism in Europe.
On May 16th, former East German Foreign Minister Markus Meckel, who was deeply involved in East Germany's democratic transition, will share how Germany confronted its authoritarian history and built a culture of democratic memory, allowing the historical experiences of Taiwan and Germany to engage in a cross-temporal dialogue in Berlin. (Edited by Tien Jui-Hua) 1150507
Stand with choice and facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" app to get the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and audio-visual content on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.