Just because the history books don’t make note of certain events doesn’t mean they didn’t happen. In “Formosa Betrayed”, the oft unknown story of the true relationship between the United States and Taiwan is given new life. Set in the 1980′s, it follows the investigation into the murder of a Taiwanese-American professor. This energetic, action-packed film starring James Van Der Beek is the amalgamation of true life individuals and events, brought together to enlighten audiences on a topic very important to modern U.S. and Taiwan history. Here at iRATEfilms, we had a chance to sit down and talk with writer/actor/producer Will Tiao:

Matt Balmaseda:  What is your background and how has that affected your work on this film?

Will Tiao:  I am second generation Taiwanese, born and raised in Kansas. My parents were very active in the local Taiwanese community and I witnessed the blacklisting of many children growing up. Although I was raised in the United States, the environment I grew up in was similar to what was happening in Taiwan.

For 10 years I worked in politics, with a BA and MA in political science, in various positions, serving under both the Clinton and the Bush administrations. Seven and a half years ago I left Washington D.C. and went to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, and five years ago I started putting together “Formosa.”

Tiao’s background in foreign affairs has given him a great deal of insight into the proceedings between the United States and Taiwan. This expertise clearly translates over to the film, which displays the political dealings between the two countries very well. There’s always an air of authenticity to the scenes, even if you don’t have an understanding of how things actually happen overseas. Achieving this level of realism is a true feat.

MB:  What made you choose to write this story as a screenplay?

WT:  Well, there are many books already written on the subject and a few documentaries have been made, too. There has never been a feature film, though. I’ve always considered myself to be an actor, but I have also been trying to become a producer. Formosa was my chance to do that.

MB:  What was your inspiration to write Formosa?

WT:  I heard the stories of murders hapening in Taiwan from my parents. After looking into them, we found lots of information on the subject. Lots of research was done in making the film. I think there were about 15,000 pages of notes taken.

Films like “Hotel Rwanda” were a big inspiration for the film. We wanted to be able to achieve what films like that did, and we hope Formosa was able to.

“Formosa Betrayed,” like “Hotel Rwanda,” helps shed light on a subject many people probably don’t know about. In that way, the film succeeds in meeting the level of its inspiration. It doesn’t exactly reach the emotional intensity of other similar films, but you definitely feel for the situation on screen. For a first film, “Formosa Betrayed” is an impressive historical drama. As such, it is being used and marketed on campuses throughout the United States.

MB:  Can you tell us a little about the college tour linked with the film?

WT:  We have visited colleges all over, like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, to talk with students about the film and the events that inspired it. There is a lot of interest among college-aged students who are studying the subject and who also love Dawson’s Creek.

MB:  When does “Formosa Betrayed” open?

WT:  We are opening the film at different times at various locations. In Miami, it will be at the Hialeah Cobb theater on Saturday, April 24.

Miami audiences may have much to relate to in the film. With its strong Latin-American and exile community, the on-screen tension caused by U.S.-Taiwanese relations can reflect relations with, say, the United States and Cuba. If not, the film still tells an exciting story that plays out as a mixture of a history lesson, a cop drama, and an action film. With strong performances at the helm, this is a film that should not be missed.

MB:  What’s next for you?

WT:  I have a couple of projects in the works. I’m prepping to shoot a short film in Hawaii and I also have an idea for a feature set there.

“Formosa Betrayed” is a great little film that may not be able to stand up to big Hollywood films and their engrossed marketing campaigns, but it has plenty of heart, a dash of charm, and a smart script that carries it along. It will be great for anyone interested in catching an indie film, or for anyone simply looking to learn about something new.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 2:32 pm and is filed under 3.5, Film Reviews, Interviews, Matt Balmaseda. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.