It’s fitting that Invisible Nation, a documentary about perseverance, is directed by someone who carries the surname “Hope.” As if intuition led her to make this project, filmmaker Vanessa Hope crafts an empathetic and eye-opening statement that sheds light on Taiwan’s struggle for self-identity and acknowledgment. Invisible Nation closely follows Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female president, as she fights for the future of Taiwan’s democracy at a pivotal moment that puts her country’s freedom at risk of authoritarianism.

The Political Struggle: ROC vs PRC

“China does not want the world to hear the story of Taiwan,” says Tsai Ing-wen as a camera intimately captures the quiet stoicism that covers her face. It’s this stark, matter-of-fact sentiment that is the catalyst for Tsai Ing-wen’s political motivation to preserve Taiwan’s autonomy. For decades, China has considered Taiwan part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) however, Taiwan believes itself to be an independent nation and therefore considers itself the Republic of China (ROC). The film goes deeper into the history of the division by explaining the genesis of the divide and the present-day discourse it elicits within China and Taiwan.

Watch the Invisible Nation trailer here.

At the heart of the film’s urgency is the PRC’s desire to eventually “unify” Taiwan with China, relinquishing Tsai Ing-wen’s control as President and removing the nationality of over 23 million people who call Taiwan home. Throughout interviews with political leaders and notable figures, many project that a major political and geographical upheaval will take place in 2025. Looking at a similar fate in the war between Ukraine and Russia, President Tsai Ing-wen is doing everything in her power to keep what’s happening in Ukraine from happening in Taiwan.

Keeping Taiwan in the Headlines

Invisible Nation is equal parts educational and cinematic. The storied history and uncertain future of Taiwan are captivating. Stand-out moments include the erasure that took place on the global stage. As it still stands today, Taiwan is the only member of the International Olympic Committee who is banned from using their name, singing their country’s anthem, or flying their country’s flag due to the People’s Republic of China’s communist rule. Mainland China continues to make concerted efforts to reduce the international personality and exposure of Taiwan, which further hurts Taiwan’s global and social status.

Takeaway

President Tsai Ing-wen doesn’t shy away from the fact that fighting against the People’s Republic of China is an uphill battle, but she knows it’s a fight worth engaging in. Invisible Nation is a battle cry and powerful act of defiance that mirrors the threat of democracy everywhere. It’s an urgent and necessary viewing for all.