Taiwan's 'Family Matters' Wins Best Feature Film at New York Festival

Taipei, July 28 (CNA) – The Taiwanese family drama 'Family Matters' (我家的事), directed by Pan Ke-yin (潘客印), made history on Sunday by winning the Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film at the 24th New York Asian Film Festival, becoming the first Taiwanese film to achieve this honor in its category. The film, which marks Pan's feature debut, was selected from eight finalists during the festival's closing night awards ceremony in New York City.

In a statement following the award, Pan expressed his gratitude towards the cast, production team, and his family, stating, "Although I do not consider myself brave, making films is the most courageous thing I have ever done. I want to share the love and courage I felt from everyone with those who need it now." The film is set to be released in Taiwan on September 12, as announced by the production company Activator Co.

'Family Matters' centers on 18-year-old Spring, portrayed by Alexia Kao (高伊玲), who grapples with the revelation that she was adopted and embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her working-class family. In recognition of her performance, Kao received the Best Actress award at the Taipei Film Awards on July 5, 2025. She stated, "The value of family in one's life and its place in our minds transcend cultures and ethnicity. Thank you for recognizing how the story moves people."

Executive producer Cheng Yu-chieh (鄭有傑) lauded Pan for his accomplishment, noting, "Thank you for taking us this far, for the glorious win for Taiwan, and for fulfilling your dream."

Prior to the New York Asian Film Festival, 'Family Matters' had its North American premiere, further establishing its international presence. The film’s narrative explores themes of identity and familial connections, resonating with audiences across cultural boundaries.

This award not only highlights the burgeoning Taiwanese film industry but also emphasizes the universal appeal of stories centered on family and identity. The recognition at a prestigious festival like the New York Asian Film Festival underscores the importance of diverse narratives in global cinema. As 'Family Matters' prepares for its release in Taiwan, it is anticipated to inspire discussions surrounding adoption, identity, and the meaning of family in contemporary society.

The film's success at the festival may lead to increased interest in Taiwanese cinema, encouraging further investment and production in the industry. This win stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Asian cinema and its growing influence on the international stage.