The Sounds of Love and Sorrow (愛戀排灣笛), a film that documents the culture of
the Paiwan Aboriginals (排笛), premiers today at 7pm.
The film focuses on the use of the Paiwan flute, a rich cultural symbol for
the southern Taiwan tribe that has been marginalized by the pervasive
influence of modernization.
The instrument stands at the core of the Paiwan people's poetic expression
and is used as part of courting rituals or for the expression of sorrow and
longing of people dead or far away.
The making of the flute is closely related to Paiwan mythology, and its
simple form nothing more than one or two bamboo pipes belies its
expressive power within the context of Paiwan culture. For many of the older
generation, the flute was central to their existence. It was an instrument
that tied them to generations of past warriors and chiefs, and was also an
indispensable prop in their romantic endeavors of courting the young women
of the tribe.
Academia Sinica anthropologist Hu Tai-li (胡台麗) recently completed a
documentary film about the Paiwan people, focusing on four outstanding
flautists. Today's premiere is dedicated to the late flautist rhemaliz
Tjuvelerem, who is featured in the film. The other three flautists featured
will attend the screening and offer performances in dedication of the dead.
Rhemaliz himself will be represented by his 10-year-old grandson kapitjuan,
who will also perform. He stands as a symbol that the ancient art of flute
playing among the Paiwan is still being passed on.
For your information: The screening and performances will be held at the
outdoor theater of Ta-an Forest Park (大安森林公園音樂台), weather permitting.
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