The Ministry of Culture has recently focused on developing the film and television industry, with the Kaohsiung City Government actively promoting this sector. ISU, as the training base for film and television talent in southern Taiwan, has long collaborated with the public sector, playing a key role in advancing the film industry. On August 7, ISU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kaohsiung Film Archive, officially launching collaboration in the fields of arts, aesthetics, and educational promotion. One of the key projects is the upcoming Kaohsiung Film Festival, one of Taiwan’s top three film festivals, which will take place in October. This partnership will provide ISU students with diverse internship opportunities and workplace training, allowing them to hone and enhance their film and television skills through practical work at cultural venues and the film festival.
Over the past years, Kaohsiung City has invested substantial resources into southern Taiwan’s film and television industry, both in terms of infrastructure and technology. Initiatives such as the “Kaohsiung Shorts” grant program, the establishment of the “Film Development and Production Center,” and the “VR FILM LAB” virtual reality filmmaking base have been key developments. The Department of Film and Television under the College of Communication and Design, established in 2011, is the first department in southern Taiwan dedicated to training talent in film and television production, and the curriculum emphasizes practical and creative skills in areas such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, set design, film festival marketing, and distribution. Additionally, the department closely follows advancements in media technology, offering courses in VR360 short film production and establishing the “AI-Generated Cultural and Creative Media Center” to support film production education. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISU and the Kaohsiung Film Archive marks a significant collaboration between public sectors and higher education, with the aim of nurturing a new generation of exceptional talent for the film and television industry.
Hao-Jie Huang, Director of Kaohsiung Film Archive, stated that signing the Memorandum of Understanding with ISU is not just a collaboration between two institutions but significant support for the development of visual arts education in southern Taiwan. Through this MOU, he hopes for a close partnership with ISU, allowing students to grow and learn in a rich cultural and artistic environment. President Guu emphasized that this alliance offers students practical experience, helping them realize the goal of applying what they have learned. He also highlighted that ISU, as a partner school with NVIDIA, has been integrating AI technology into its diverse curriculum since 2018. All academic units have combined their courses with AI, especially the College of Communication and Design, which utilizes advanced software and hardware to create virtual scenes, overcoming traditional location-based shooting limitations. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Kaohsiung’s goal of becoming a comprehensive tech hub. The university’s efforts in nurturing influential audiovisual talents will contribute significantly to Taiwan’s cultural landscape.
Dr. Cheng-Nan Hou, Dean of the College of Communication and Design, further emphasized ISU’s stellar faculty cast and its commitment to training students across its nine colleges with AI-related expertise. He believes that this will nurture talent that aligns with current industry trends and foresees more diverse collaborations with the Kaohsiung Film Archive in the future. Dr. Kuo-Fu Chang, Chairman of the Department of Film and Television, noted that ISU’s strength lies in being a comprehensive university where interdisciplinary learning is an integral part of students’ daily lives. With a strong foundation in AI technology research and education, ISU plays a pivotal role in talent cultivation. This collaboration with the Kaohsiung Film Archive will also extend to the “Kaohsiung Film Festival,” the largest annual film event in southern Taiwan, offering students even more internship and hands-on opportunities. Through the creative works of ISU students, there is great anticipation for showcasing their films at the Kaohsiung Film Festival and other international film festivals, providing audiences with a rich cinematic experience.
