The Ordinary Scenes, Deng Nan-guang’s Collections: Taipei Image

Cinematographer: Deng Nan-guang

Selected 8mm short films shot by Taiwanese photographer Deng Nan-guang are mostly heart-warming images of his home and family outings. One child comes after another, and they grow up with each film. Their vivacious spirit has stories of their own while the faces of the parents call for viewers to imagine their experiences and state of mind. The scenes include a swimming contest, the zoo, temple tour, among other sights. It is a record of Taiwan’s local culture. Its casual style contrasts greatly with Good Morning, Taipei’s tight storytelling. The last film was shot by his son Deng Shi-guang in the1960s, showing the three generations played in front of the camera. Isn’t that showing the sadness and beauty of the passage of time? The music score is composed by local musician Bunn Lau for this screening.

Deng Nan-guang (1907-1971)
Originally named Deng Teng-hui, he was born in Beipu, Hsinchu County in Taiwan. He started to become passionate about photography while studying abroad in Japan. The 1930s and 40s were the peak of his career, when his photos of people in the city and rural areas path the way for realism in Taiwanese photography.

Bunn Lau
Local musician creating and performing live music for theatrical troupes and arts organisations since 2006.