The much-anticipated Taiwan Film Festival 2025 opened on 12 December at PVR Priya Cinema, Vasant Vihar, marking two days of vibrant cultural exchange, cinematic dialogue and artistic collaboration between Taiwan and India. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India, the festival presents a curated selection of contemporary Taiwanese cinema and celebrates a historic milestone with the special screening of Demon Hunters, the first-ever Taiwan–India co-produced feature film.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Mumin Chen, Representative of TECC in India; lead Indian actor Arjan Bajwa; Indo-Taiwanese co-producers Gayathiri Guliani and Cindy Shyu Theil; actor Jayanta; and distinguished guests from India’s film fraternity, cultural institutions and diplomatic community.
The festival opened with an exclusive preview of Demon Hunters, directed by Mei-Juin Chen—an energetic supernatural action-comedy that blends Taiwanese folklore with Indian narrative flair. Infused with classic Bollywood musical elements, the film represents a landmark cinematic collaboration between Taiwan and India and signals the promise of deeper creative partnerships in the years ahead.
The story follows Tommy, a fraudulent Taiwanese exorcist-YouTuber who is forced to confront a real demonic threat, and Sanjay, an Indian tech-savvy exorcist-in-training driven by a personal mission to avenge his grandfather, Babaji. Together, they embark on a visually rich, culturally hybrid adventure that celebrates humour, courage and cross-cultural camaraderie.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mumin Chen said, “The Taiwan Film Festival has always been a window into Taiwan’s cultural soul, but this year’s edition carries special significance. With the premiere of Demon Hunters, we celebrate not just a film, but a remarkable partnership between Taiwanese and Indian creators. This collaboration reflects the shared values of imagination, resilience and storytelling that unite our societies.”
He further added, “Cinema has the power to bridge distances, spark dialogue and foster empathy. Through this festival, we hope to deepen Taiwan–India cultural exchange, encourage future co-productions and inspire new connections between our peoples. I am delighted to see this journey begin in New Delhi.”
Lead actor Arjan Bajwa, speaking to the press, described Demon Hunters as “an extraordinary creative adventure” that brought together Taiwanese mysticism and Indian spirit. “It’s a rare and beautiful fusion,” he said, adding that working with the Taiwanese team was both refreshing and enriching. “The film speaks to our shared love for storytelling, music, fantasy and emotional depth. I believe audiences in both countries will feel the excitement, humour and heart behind this project. I’m honoured that our film opens this celebration.”
In addition to Demon Hunters, the Taiwan Film Festival 2025 features two critically acclaimed Taiwanese films that highlight diverse aspects of the island’s society, technology and Indigenous heritage.
A Chip Odyssey is a compelling documentary tracing the rise of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), offering rare insights into Taiwan’s pivotal role in the global technology ecosystem and the future of advanced manufacturing.
Hunter Brothers is an emotionally resonant drama exploring family, tradition and identity within Taiwan’s Indigenous communities, examining the evolving relationship between tradition and modernity while celebrating Indigenous resilience and cultural depth.
The Taiwan Film Festival 2025 continues to serve as a platform for meaningful cultural exchange, strengthening cinematic ties between Taiwan and India through shared stories and creative collaboration.
