FORMOSA - Congressional Screening of Film Sheds Light on the Historic Struggle for Democracy in Taiwan, Encourages Critical Look at U.S. Foreign Policy toward Taiwan and China

Drawing attention to the current and decades-long struggle for democracy forged by the people of Taiwan and their American allies, FORMOSA BETRAYED ? a dramatic and action-packed political thriller ? was shown to members of Congress, their staff, and other Washington insiders at the Newseum on September 14, 2009. The screening was presented by the Formosa Foundation, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to the advancement of human rights, democracy, and the right to self-determination of Taiwan.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), Congressmen David Wu (D-OR), and Michael McCaul (R-TX) presented remarks. Congressmen Al Green (D-TX) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), as well as congressional and professional staff from various House and Senate committees, joined the Formosa Foundation for an evening of entertainment and education on Taiwan?s democracy. Also present at the screening was writer/producer Will Tiao and actor Tzi Ma of FORMOSA BETRAYED.

Formosa Foundation Executive Director Terri Giles said, ?Taiwan?s democratization is not a ?miracle,? but rather a result of great human sacrifice by many whose stories inspired the film.? Giles added, ?This screening is designed to raise awareness among Congressional members, of the historic and ongoing struggle of the Taiwanese people to build a democratic society.?

The story of FORMOSA BETRAYED was inspired by the murders of Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American intellectual activists and their fight for the Taiwanese people?s right to self-determination and democracy. The film chronicles a complex and historical narrative of murder, political black lists, and ?student spies? on American college campuses.

?Although the film is set in the 1980s in an era known as the ?White Terror?, its underlying theme of human rights and democracy remains relevant today,? Will Tiao told the audience. ?The film provides a critical analysis of the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan, as well as current U.S. foreign policy toward this country.?

While praising Taiwan for building a prosperous democracy, Senator Brown voiced concern that closer ties with China could put this progress at risk. ?The United States has an interest to help the Taiwanese keep their democracy and freedom,? stated Brown.

Since the 2008 Taiwanese elections, domestic and international observers have reported a backsliding of democracy and individual rights, including a deterioration of freedoms of press and assembly.

?I strongly believe that by increasing mutual understanding and greater dialogue, as the Formosa Foundation does so well, we can make even greater progress towards building democracy in Taiwan and around the globe,? stated Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. She added, ?The Formosa Foundation does vital work to raise awareness about the historic struggle of Taiwanese and their American friends to build a democratic society.?