Gaga
An Indigenous Taiwanese family is caught between traditions and modern challenges in this warm drama-comedy from Tayal filmmaker Laha Mebow. Best Director, Golden Horse Awards 2022 & Singapore International Film Festival 2023 - Asian Feature Competition.
Grandpa Hayung has spent his life following gaga – the spiritual traditions of the Indigenous Tayal people. Few others in the village outside of his family abide by gaga nowadays. That includes Mayor Toli, who has started encroaching on Hayung’s land. Frustrated by the act of disrespect, eldest son Pasang runs for mayor, hoping to reclaim his family’s status. However, competitive politics, an unexpected pregnancy and marital quarrels threaten the campaign – and further divides the community. Featuring a big-hearted ensemble of non-professional actors, Mebow beautifully depicts the complexities of modern family life that retains a connection to ancient culture. Special Guest
Laha Mebow
Director
Laha Mebow is an indigenous Taiwanese Tayal director. Her film career spans over two decades, with a focus on indigenous subjects. In 2016, Mebow’s second drama Lokah Laqi (Hang in There, Kids!) was selected as Taiwan's Oscar entry and won the Grand Prize at Taipei Film Festival, as well as Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Editing and Best New Talent.
- Program Strand
- First Nations
- Original Title
- Ha Yong Jia
- Year
- 2022
- Classification
- Unclassified 15+
- Country
- Taiwan
- Language
- In Tayal, Mandarin, English and Taiwanese Hokkien with English and Mandarin subtitles
- Director
- Laha Mebow
- Producer
- Eric Liang
- Cast
- Lalin Wilang, Ali Batu, Noming Wilang
- Screenwriter
- Laha Mebow, Hsieh Hui Ching
- Cinematographer
- Garvin Chan, Aymerick Benjamin Pilarski
- Editor
- Chen Chien-Chih
- Premiere
- NSW Premiere
- Genre
- Festival Award Winners, Politics & Economics, First Nations, Women Directors, Religion & Belief, Asia
- Company Credits
- Sales Agent: Swallow Wings Films Co.
