Taiwan Stars Talk Cultural Differences, Challenges of International Productions

At the Taiwan Creative Content Fest, leading Taiwanese actors Wu Ke-Xi, J.C. Lin, Kai Ko, and Esther Liu offered candid insights into their experiences working on international co-productions, discussing everything from language barriers to cultural differences in approaching intimate scenes.

Wu shared her experience working on Berlinale title “Black Tea” with director Abderrahmane Sissako, describing the unique challenges of a French-language production. “The director only had a rough script and wanted to incorporate the actors’ ideas,” Wu explained. The production, shot in Taiwan and Africa, required constant translation between French and Chinese, sometimes leading to cultural disconnects. Wu, who previously learned Burmese and Thai for Midi Z’s “Road to Mandalay,” also studied the local version of Portuguese for her role as a Chinese restaurant owner in Cape Verde, though those lines were ultimately cut.

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Discussing contract negotiations, Wu revealed her proactive approach to dealings in the U.S. “The agency set up meetings with heads of studios. Everything was done in a professional manner,” she noted, adding that her contract for Constance Tsang’s Cannes-debuting U.S. production “Blue Sun Palace” included a clause allowing her to revoke intimate scenes until the day of release.

J.C. Lin, fresh from a Taiwan-French co-production completed six months ago, highlighted the cultural contrasts in communication styles. “In Taiwan, the Chinese culture we want to listen to other people before expressing our own opinion,” Lin observed, noting how the young French leading actress’ direct communication style influenced the set’s dynamics. Lin also recounted an enlightening experience from Taiwan-India co-production “Demon Hunters,” where an Indian actor taught him about treating religious props with proper respect.

Kai Ko, reflecting on his international festival experience as a BiFan jury member, noted that shared aesthetic sensibilities often transcended language barriers. Ko spoke about the different approaches to intimate scenes across cultures. “Foreign teams have less rules. They want to be spontaneous,” he said. “In Taiwan I was told don’t stick your tongue out while kissing. But for some films, the tongue may be necessary. If you don’t stick your tongue out it feels like two birds pecking.”

Netflix’s “At The Moment” actor Esther Liu, who moderated the panel, shared an anecdote about a French production where the director unexpectedly placed a pillow between her and her co-star during an intimate scene. “This was not communicated to us before,” Liu noted.

The panel demonstrated how Taiwanese talent is increasingly navigating the complexities of international productions, balancing cultural differences while maintaining professional standards and artistic integrity.