For 10 years, as university professor and director, Tay-jou Lin read thousands of student papers, reports, and journals. Apart from the usual subject matters, they often contained drawings, notes, photographs, love letters, or other personal outpourings. This gave Lin intimate insights into the turbulent private lives of his students.

Lin invited three of his students to document their stories on film. Interweaving dramatizations, animations, and anonymous interviews, “The Secret in the Satchel” recounts the three students’ pasts that were filled with reckless abandon and bewilderment. Even though they grew up in a disadvantaged environment, the three were beautiful, brave souls who revisited wounds hidden throughout the years, and, in the process, grew and matured because of it.

This documentary explores the complicated interpersonal, family, sexual, and violent relationships of these young adults. In his narration, Lin expresses anxiety and apprehension as he faces the harsh reality confronted by this new generation of troubled youth.

Watch more films from the Made In Taiwan series.

About MADE IN TAIWAN:

Taiwan is a study in contrasts. Just off the southeast coast of China, this island-nation has developed a distinct and vibrant culture. Ancient traditions vie with modernity; its jagged mountains, deep gorges and urban landscapes provide plenty of inspiration to local filmmakers. Young filmmakers are creating diverse documentary and narrative films that explore social and environmental issues facing the country. MADE IN TAIWAN is a unique Link TV series of new films created in partnership with Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office. Watch this new film series and meet some of these energetic new directors like Zero Chou, Lin Tay-Jo, Chiang Hsiu-chiung and Cheng Wen-tang.

Acknowledgements:

Government Information Office, ROC (Taiwan)
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco
Taiwan Public Television Service
Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival Executive Committee