Crazy Calligraphy

Documentary︱19’24︱2013︱Taiwan︱HD︱Color

Official Selection, Best Documentary, 2013 15th Taipei Film Festival, Taiwan

Official Selection, 2014 Chinese Visual Festival, London, UK

Finalist, 2014 International Short Film Festival of Cyprus, Cyprus

Selection, 2015 British Film Institute special Chinese films screening for Chinese New Year, UK

In a small town in southern Taiwan, there is an artist who has devoted his whole life to reviving the dying art of Chinese calligraphy. His “Crazy Calligraphy Class” has been running at the local temple for fifteen years, free of charge. 

His name is Kesan, a self-taught calligrapher who casually spews poetry and ancient literature, both on paper and in daily conversations. Though he views himself as a literatus, he is actually more like a rocker (who may also be off his rocker). His wife is powerless to change him, and his daughter thinks he is an incurable weirdo. A calligrapher immersed in ink, Kesan is a poet, a husband, and a father – albeit one who seems to be living in the wrong era.

From teaching the local butcher to recite poetry to exposing folks from all walks life to ancient Chinese culture, Kesan is a one-of-a-kind artist whose story is just waiting to be told.

Share on Google Plus

About Public Television Service Foundation

Founded in 1998, Public Television Service (PTS) is the leading public service broadcaster in Taiwan. Operated as an independent public organization, PTS aims to provide value-added quality programming services covering a wide range of categories to present the diversity and creativity in Taiwan without the intervention of commercial and political power.