Introduction:
My film, LUDA: Monsters of Forest, is an animated feature that reimagines Taiwan’s folklore through the eyes of a young girl who stumbles into a mystical forest filled with spirits and mythical creatures. What began as a personal exploration of cultural roots quickly evolved into an independent animation film project.
Inspiration:
The idea for Monsters of Forest LUDA came from my childhood fascination with Taiwanese ghost stories and local myths. Growing up, I often heard tales of Môo-sîn-á, mysterious spirits said to wander the forests at night. I wanted to bring these creatures to life in a way that felt both authentic and cinematic, while also creating a story about trust, courage, and the bond between humans and the unseen world.
In the early stages, my goal was simple: I wanted to make a film for my daughter, who was only three years old when I began developing the story. By the time the film was completed, she had already turned thirteen — and to my surprise, she even became one of the voice actors for the film. For me, this was an extraordinary journey: a story I originally wanted to tell her eventually became a story she told back to me through her own voice.
The Process:
One of the biggest challenges was transforming traditional Taiwanese spirits and monsters — often portrayed with frightening appearances — into characters that could carry the story without scaring audiences. We wanted to subvert their usual image, re-imagining them as creatures with depth, warmth, and even humour, while still honouring their cultural roots. This creative reinterpretation required close collaboration between our design and animation teams, ensuring that each creature felt authentic yet approachable.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Being recognised at international film festivals is a tremendous honour. It shows that a story deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture can resonate with global audiences. For me, it is a reminder that local myths are universal in spirit — they carry themes of fear, wonder, and hope that transcend borders.
Where to Watch / Follow:
Follow our journey on FB: LUDA and stay updated as LUDA continues its festival run.