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Ten years ago, Chairman Simon Lin met Director Chi Po-Lin for the first time. After watching a short clip from the documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above, he was deeply moved. This inspired him to support its release. Since then, the Wistron Foundation has formed an inseparable bond with Director Chi. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the film's release, Chi Ting-Huan, Director Chi Po-Lin's son, was specially invited to give a talk titled Flying Over Taiwan: Viewing Our Homeland from Above. During the talk, he shared with the Wistron team the story of how Director Chi used visual imagery to inspire change in Taiwan.
“When was the last time you went hiking?” “When was the last time you visited a river?” “And when was the last time you went to the beach?” With these three questions, Chi Ting-Huan began his talk, setting the tone for the story of his father, Director Chi Po-Lin, and his extraordinary journey as an aerial photographer.
A Twist of Fate: The Journey into Aerial Photography
The now widely recognized Director Chi Po-Lin once worked as a civil servant at the National Expressway Engineering Bureau. During his job interview, the interviewer, Mr. Ou Chin-Te—now Chairman of the Chi Po-Lin Foundation—asked him two questions: “Are you interested in engineering?” and “Do you have any insights about engineering?” Chi candidly admitted that he had neither interest nor insights. Undeterred, Chairman Ou followed up with another question: “Then what do you usually do in your free time?” Chi simply replied, “I take photographs.”
In those days, documenting public construction projects required Chi Po-Lin to climb mountain peaks to photograph large-scale construction sites from above. This responsibility gradually sparked his interest in photography and helped him develop valuable insights into the craft. Beyond introducing aerial photography to Taiwan's engineering field, he also dedicated his personal time and funds to renting helicopters, capturing the beauty and essence of Taiwan's every corner.
Courtesy of Chi Po-Lin Foundation
A Do-or-Die Determination: The Birth of Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above
Chi Po-Lin captured not only breathtaking landscapes but also the devastation of Taiwan's mountains and forests. Initially, he doubted that anyone would want to confront such harsh realities, but as the destruction worsened, his perspective shifted. He came to a profound realization: "The beauty and destruction on this island can't be something I see alone." This epiphany motivated him to film and document these changes. Concerned that relying on his pension might lead him to contentment, Chi retired early from public service and mortgaged both of his houses to fund the project. To achieve better aerial shots for Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above, he invested $1 million in an aerial gyroscope, with unwavering support from Wan Guan-Li, then chairman of Above Taiwan Cinema Inc. and now CEO of the Chi Po-Lin Foundation. Despite his dedication, they still faced significant financial challenges. In his quest for funding, Chi approached numerous businesses, eventually forging a vital connection with the Wistron Foundation.
With funding secured from various sources, a groundbreaking documentary in Taiwan's history was created. To this day, Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above has grossed NT$220 million, making it the highest-grossing local documentary in Taiwan. The film also inspired a new wave of environmental conservation efforts and significantly influenced the country's public infrastructure decision-making.
Chi Ting-Huan Shares the Story of His Father, Chi Po-Lin
The Director's Son Reflects on the Challenges of Aerial Filming
In this talk, Chi Ting-Huan shared previously unreleased photos and personal reflections on his father from the perspective of being his son. He recalled accompanying his father on an aerial photography trip, assisting with changing the film in the camera. Given the high cost of helicopter rentals, his father made every second count, capturing as many photos as possible, which led to rapid film consumption. During the brief moments it took to change a roll of film, his father would often have already finished the next one. Additionally, as restrooms were unavailable during the flight, his father endured physical discomfort by refraining from drinking water and holding in his urine. This not only impacted his health but also fueled his eagerness to complete Beyond Beauty: Taiwan From Above.
In 2013, Seeing Taiwan was released to great success, with a return of approximately NT$30 million. However, his father chose to reinvest all the earnings into new aerial filming equipment. At the time, 4K technology was not widely known, and Chi Ting-Huan struggled to understand his father's decision. Yet, had Beyond Beauty: Taiwan From Above II been released as planned in 2019, the new equipment would have aligned perfectly with the era's demands and editing requirements, leaving Chi Ting-Huan in admiration of his father's foresight.
Chi Ting-Huan brought souvenirs featuring Chi Po-Lin's works as gifts for the lucky colleagues in attendance.
Understanding and Caring Drive Change in Taiwan
Through the talk and photos, Chi Ting-Huan shared the admirable spirit of Chi Po-Lin, the beauty of our homeland, Taiwan, and the hardships it has endured. But after witnessing all this, what can we do?
Chi Ting-Huan used the current mayoral elections as an example. Twenty years ago, political platforms focused on construction and development. Today, most candidates emphasize slogans like "eco-city" and "sustainable city," reflecting a shift shaped by public opinion. Whether through the decade-long photography tour or the year-end Seeing Taiwan marathon, the Chi Po-Lin Foundation embraces "change" as its core theme. Images have the power to move people and raise awareness. When people are moved and actively engage with environmental issues, they can gradually shape public opinion and drive societal change. Even after the loss of Chi Po-Lin, the foundation continues to uphold the spirit of the aerial photography master, using images to inspire change.
Event Information Beyond Beauty – Taiwan From Above 10th Anniversary Photography Tour
- Taipei: 08/15 (Tue) - 09/10 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Warehouse No. 1, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park,
- Kaohsiung: 09/16 (Sat) - 10/03 (Tue) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Penglai Warehouse B3/B4, Pier-2 Art Center,
- Taichung: 11/28 (Tue) - 12/25 (Mon) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Art and Culture Exhibition Hall BCD, Cultural Heritage Park, Ministry of Culture.
Taipei Guided Tour Schedule (Point-Based)
- Monday to Thursday: 14:00
- Friday: 14:00, 16:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00, 14:00, 16:00
- Official website link: https://www.chipolin.org/anniversary
Event Information 2023 Seeing Taiwan Marathon
- Event Date: December 3, 2023 (Sunday)
- Registration Deadline: Now until October 31, 5:00 PM
- Event Location: Start - Taipei City Hall Plaza, Finish - Dajia Riverside Park Dome Plaza
- Registration Link: https://bao-ming.com/eb/content/5750#27376