Taiwan Docs

The Mei-hua family of seven from Taitung came to the San-ying Village under the Sanxia Yingge Bridge 20 years ago. They built their home with wood, nails and their own bare hands. The youngest brother in the family, A-xiang, was born in this paradise. Before A-xiang had reached a full month of age the house they were living in was torn to the ground by Taipei County Government for violating building laws. The Mei-hua family of right moved into San-xia City. However, being unaccustomed to living in such an unnatural environment and with the added pressure of paying rent they moved back to San-yang village after only two years.

On the 29th of February 2009, their home was raisend to the ground once more. After the home they toiled struggled to build was torn to the ground, they were asked, "What are you going to do now?" As far as Mei-hua's family was concerned the answer was very simple - if they tear it down, we'll build it again!

One day in the future when Mei-hua's grandchildren are born, will the home they sweat and toil to build still be being torn to the ground?

Source: Taiwan Int'l Documentary Festival, festival catalog