Irish Film Institute -EAFFI 2022: DEAR TENANT

EAFFI 2022: DEAR TENANT

Director: Yu-Chieh Cheng

106 mins, Taiwan, 2020, Subtitled


Piano teacher and gay man Jian-Yi Lin (a shining Tzu-Yi Mo) is the tenant of a rooftop apartment owned by the elderly Mrs Chou (Shu-Fang Chen) who is suffering from late-stage diabetes. Jian-Yi is kind-hearted and helps tend to Mrs Chou’s daily needs and looks after her nine-year old grandson, the orphaned Yo-Yu, with whom he shares a special bond. When Mrs Chou dies, her other son who lives abroad returns to Taiwan, and discovers complicated questions of inheritance and guardianship. His mother’s apartment has been transferred to the young Yo-Yu whom Jian-Yi has legally adopted.

‘A strong family drama with a heartfelt portrayal of unconditional love. Following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2019, it explores whether Taiwanese society is ready to accept families who dare to break with conventional forms.’  – Queer East Film Festival UK

‘This is a story about love, a love that needs to be understood without judgment.’ – Chuti Chang

Winner Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Film Score, Taipei Golden Horse Awards, 2020

Notes by Marie-Pierre Richard

Screening as part of the East Asia Film Festival Ireland, March 31st to April 3nd.

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