Whale Island is a documentary film that explores the relationship between Taiwan and the sea. It is directed by the acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker, Huang Chia-chun, and produced by Sun Yun-chien.
The film begins by highlighting Taiwan's complicated history with the sea. Despite being surrounded by it, the Taiwanese people have often turned their backs to the ocean due to political and religious reasons. The movie also dives into the issue of overfishing and pollution, which have greatly impacted the marine ecosystem surrounding Taiwan.
The documentary then introduces two experts on the ocean, Liao Hung-chi, a renowned oceanic literature author, and Ray Chin, an experienced underwater photographer. They take the audience on a journey underwater, showcasing the beauty of the ocean and its creatures. They also discuss the importance of conservation efforts to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the sea can provide endless opportunities for the Taiwanese people, ranging from tourism to renewable energy. The film also touches upon the significance of whales in ocean conservation efforts, particularly the Migaloo, a rare albino humpback whale that migrated to Taiwan in 2020.
Overall, Whale Island is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the importance of the ocean to Taiwan's past, present, and future. It emphasizes the need for sustainable and responsible approaches to ocean conservation in order to preserve the natural wonders of the sea for generations to come.