Ep 116 | Anthony Kao of Cinema Escapist Often First Publication to Cover Taiwanese Films - Talking Taiwan

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Ep 116 | Anthony Kao of Cinema Escapist Often First Publication to Cover Taiwanese Films

February 15, 2021 • 35 mins

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Anthony Kao is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cinema Escapist, which is often the first or only publication that covers Taiwanese film or television shows. I’ve found it has some really great reviews and recommendations of films from and about Taiwan. Cinema Escapist also covers films from all around the world and takes a look at their social and political context. Anthony spoke with me about how he started Cinema Escapist and their unique approach to discussing film. Next week we’ll have Anthony back to recommend films about Taiwan that represent different decades or historical events significant to Taiwan.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Where Anthony’s interest in film comes from
Film as a way to explore the world
Cinema Escapist’s focus on international films and the social and political context of films
Anthony’s interest in Taiwanese film and television
How Cinema Escapist is often the first or only publication that covers Taiwanese film or television shows
Publications about Taiwan recommended by Anthony
Anthony’s approach to writing about film
When and why Anthony started Cinema Escapist
How Cinema Escapist has changed over time
What’s behind the name “Cinema Escapist”
The challenges of running Cinema Escapist which has a completely volunteer staff
The interesting experiences and people that Anthony has met through Cinema Escapist
Cinema Escapist’s plans to go into podcasting