By Joy Chiang Ling
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY), in collaboration with Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Howard Hughes Corp. and LW Productions presented “Taiwan Night” at the South Street Seaport on August 15th, 2014.
There, visitors were invited to enjoy free food, including bubble tea, Taiwanese beer and “bian dang” boxes. The event was held to help show support for the recovery of the lower Manhattan neighborhood, which was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
“The launch of the SEE/CHANGE program earlier this summer marked the beginning of a new day at the Seaport as we work to reinvigorate the neighborhood and deliver a dynamic and vibrant destination that both residents and visitors alike can enjoy,” said Phillip St. Pierre, General Manager of the South Street Seaport. “We are honored to have Taiwan participating the Seaport Film and Food Festival and providing delicious Taiwan cuisine, bubble teas and Taiwan Beer to share with everyone.”
Thomas Chang, the Director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau in New York, had an opening speech and sang a Taiwan song to help promote tourism to Taiwan, a vibrant island state with a unique and lively culture.
Also present was a free outdoor film screening, which included Au Revoir Taipei, directed by Arvin Chen. Au Revoir Taipei is a romantic comedy about a young man named Kai whose goal is to fly to Paris to be with his girlfriend. As he teaches himself French in a bookstore, he meets Susie, a girl who works there, and together they form an unexpected bond. Hilarious mishaps ensue when Kai gets involved with a loan shark named Bao, who is pursued by two incompetent policemen. Au Revoir Taipei amused audiences with its lighthearted humor and adorable characters, and showed a romantic side of Taiwan that many viewers might not have been aware of.
In all, 570 dinner boxes were given out and over 800 people came to watch the film.
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