Fragments of Herstory / Praying Mantis
Focus on Taiwan
Taiwan’s Shorts Submissions for the 99th Academy Awards
Followed by Q&A
Schedule
Nov 14, 2026 @ 03:00 PM
她的碎片
Fragments of Herstory
40 min | 2025 | Taiwan | Mandarin | English Subs
Synopsis:
The film begins with a conversation with the grandmother, tracing back the bittersweet and hard-to-express emotions between mother and daughter. As it moves between the reality of daily life and the imagined scenes from memories, the film gradually reveals the wounds of this family and the scars left by colonial history.
Director
Hsu Hui-ju
As a Taiwanese documentary filmmaker, Hsu Hui-ju delves into the intricate relationships among women, family, and grief in her films. Through auto-documentary and self-reflexive approaches, her works ruminate on existential issues and the meaning of life, navigating quietly between the real and the imagined to reveal the absurdity of human existence. Beneath the cool, subdued tone of her films lies a subtle warmth that reflects the profound depth of humanity. Her works have been selected and awarded at major international film festivals, including the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, Visions du Réel, Sheffield DocFest, and the Golden Horse Awards.
Praying Mantis
16 min | Animated | 2025 | Taiwan | Mandarin | English Subs
Synopsis:
On a bustling street known for its nightlife, a mutant praying mantis seduces and preys on men out of desperation to save her child. A failed mission leads to revelations about her past and dark secrets as the story unfolds.
Director
Joe Hsieh
This film tells a story of selfless sacrifice and courage born from maternal love. A mother is always willing to give everything for her child, no matter how high the price. I wanted to explore the tender yet obsessive side of maternal love. Animation allowed me to create a world without boundaries, where this love could take on a surreal and terrifying form. I dedicate this film to my mother, and to all mothers who have sacrificed themselves for their children.