SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Documentary Screening: "Our Life Saving Vinegar” and “Memoir Of Miss Kuan” and Q&A with film maker Jeng Hsiao-ta

About the film:

As a result of the 2001 ban on prostitution in Taipei, most of the registered prostitutes found themselves with no means to support their families. A number of those sex workers chose to start a new life producing and selling vinegar and herbs. The documentary entitled "Our Life Saving Vinegar" documents the difficulties of learning a new trade and leading a new life for these former sex workers. The film also questions the government's policy and asks why prostitution is not an acceptable occupation in the Taiwanese context. 

About the speaker:

Hsiao-ta Jeng received a B.A. degree in History from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan and worked as Cultural Performance and Herbal Vinegar Project Manager for the Collective of Sex Workers and Supporters (COSWAS) between 2002 and 2005. Her work at COSWAS was to assist middle aged sex workers in switching careers and collaborated in processing and marketing herbal vinegar. As a volunteer working for COSWAS, her current tasks include developing the cultural discourse of the sex industry in Taipei and documenting the organization's various activities. She has been deeply moved by these former sex workers' courage and determined attitude towards life. She made this short film with the hope that the general public can understand them better.