Film screening of “Unknown" 沒有名字的理容院

In this year’s SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies Summer School, we are delighted to present a screening of Unknown (2023), directed by Lin Yu-Chan — an award-winning documentary that quietly yet powerfully captures everyday life, labour, and community.

Set beneath Hutoushan in Taoyuan, Unknown documents the unique world of street barber stalls operated by women aged 45 to 75. These intimate, open-air spaces serve the working class and elderly, offering not only haircuts but also a sense of dignity and care. Separated by mesh nets but united by shared labour and companionship, these women cultivate a deeply human network of warmth and resilience.

The film has received multiple accolades, including:
• Golden Award of the Taiwan Competition – Women Make Waves Int’l Film Festival
• Taiwan Film Critics Society Award
• O-BANK Women Power Award
• First Prize for Feature Film – Labor Film Awards

The SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies would like to thank TaiwanPlus and Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute for granting the rights of screening.
 

(image credit: Lin Yu-Chan via Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute)