Interview: Hsiao Ya-chuan on 'Old Fox' becoming Taiwan's official Oscar entry and more

Earlier this year, Taiwan‘s Ministry of Culture submitted Old Fox as its entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 2025 Oscars. The movie is set in 1989, a time of rapid economic growth and political change in Taiwan. The martial law in the country was removed and democracy was finding its place back in the country.

Filmmaker Hsiao Ya-Chuan's directorial is a poignant parable of humanism and survival of the fittest. In an exclusive interaction with WION, the director talked about his inspiration and what he expects from this submission at the Academy. 

What inspired you to direct Old Fox?

I am a father with two children. When they were about 10 years old, they started to ask questions such as whether there is justice or equality in society. I wanted to take their questions seriously.  So, for several years, I collected these questions and had internal debates. In some ways, this film is an answer to my children.

Your film looked very personal. Which part of your film was inspired by a real-life experience?

Yes, this film is very personal. One of the engagements between father and son comes from my family background and experiences. There are minor differences between the character of the father and my mother in real life. The father character in the film played saxophones, but my mother played the piano in real life. Other than that many other interactions between the father and sons come from my personal stories.

How is Taiwan and the rest of the world responding to your movie? 

After we screened our film in Taiwan, we got a lot of positive feedback. The film has also received a good response in Japan and Hong Kong. I think that's probably because we have similarities in our living experiences.

Speaking of that, what according to you connects the Asian countries culturally?

I think in many Asian families, we learn about empathy and not being selfish. We learn that from our parents. Also, we emphasise in our society that altruism should be prioritised. The act of thinking about others first is a common thing between Asian countries.

If Old Fox wins an Oscar, how significant will it be for Taiwan?

I hope that with these opportunities more people look at the films made in Taiwan. There was a time when Taiwanese films were well-received in other countries and markets but that time has passed. I hope that with this opportunity, the Taiwan film market revives, and brings Taiwan-based films back to the list as options for audiences around the world.

Who has been your favourite Taiwanese director? 

Hou Hsiao-Hsien is a legendary filmmaker in Taiwan. He was my executive producer, and I have worked as an Assistant Director in his films. He inspires me a lot. My favourite film by him is A City of Sadness. It was the first ever Taiwanese film to win the Golden Lion award at the 1989 Venice Film Festival.

What inspired you to be a filmmaker?

I experienced Taiwan back in the late 1980s and 90s. Taiwan lifted its martial laws in 1987. Afterwards, I witnessed a lot of changes. At that time I was studying Arts in College. I think that filming is such a gentle way to tell my stories. I found that moving images can be stronger and more direct. That's when I decided to shift from fine arts to cinema.