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Creative Discourse of Documentary “A Last Goodbye”

國立臺灣藝術大學 / 傳播學院影音創作與數位媒體產業碩士班 / Author:CHEN, PEI-YUN

"A Last Goodbye" is a film that stems from personal experiences. It unfolds the narrative through a first-person perspective, closely examining the emotions between the individual and their family. By delving into the process of exploring the enigmatic "unspoken grandfather" within the family, it uncovers the wounds of the grandfather, the mother, and the unexplained emotional impact experienced during childhood. This pervasive sense of "repression," akin to an inherited trait within the bloodline, remains unspoken yet carries a penetrating force. How does this "unspoken grandfather" ultimately influence "my being"? Through visual storytelling, the film guides the audience to explore the eastern part of Taiwan where the grandfather resided in his later years. Only by reclaiming this lost map can the long-suppressed emotions between family members be released. While it may seem like a search for the grandfather, it is, in essence, a depiction of where "I" come from, understanding the origins to comprehend the destination.

"Nonexistent" is a reason for letters being undelivered. However, the origin of this film's story lies in the abnormality of finding "existing" senders and receivers, yet their letters remaining unread by the intended recipients. The narrator gradually advances the plot, driven by the lingering confusion felt from childhood within the family. While "someone" exists, the correspondence goes unanswered, using this shattered premise to delve into the suppressed, unspoken family history accumulated over the years.

The central theme of this film revolves around a personal family narrative. It combines still photographs and moving images as visual accompaniments to the storytelling, intertwining experimental and documentary film techniques. It is hoped that this approach provides ample space for viewers to project their own emotions. The aspiration is for this film to transcend being merely a personal work, but rather, through the pursuit of an individual family history, to act as a stone thrown into the path, generating ripples within the hearts of the audience. It aims to resonate with those who are currently or have previously experienced a sense of bewilderment and are searching for their true selves, finding a shared echo.