Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou, in a gesture of concern for the development of Taiwan's film industry, on the morning of April 14 was accompanied by Taichung City Mayor Jason C. Hu and Government Information Office Minister Johnny Chi-chen Chiang to Taichung City's Shuinan Airport to visit the set of director Ang Lee's latest film Life of Pi.

Director Lee escorted President Ma on a tour of the set and explained a bit about the filming of the movie, a 3D fantasy adventure. The president stopped by the offices of the film's crew to thank them for their hard work, and watched a clip from the film.

After completing the visit, the president said that he was deeply impressed by what he saw, adding that director Lee's decision to film in Taiwan offers an outstanding opportunity for Taiwan to gain visibility in the film industry and the international media. He added that he greatly appreciates the director's decision to help market Taiwan through this multinational blockbuster.

President Ma also praised the coordination provided by Taiwan's film industry to meet the demands of shooting a world-class film, and said he hopes this experience will help bring Taiwan even more opportunities to make a name for itself in the film industry. The president noted that it has been 45 years since a Hollywood production company last came to Taiwan to film The Sand Pebbles. He expressed his hope that the cooperative model established by Mr. Lee and Taiwan for the latest film will attract more major international production houses to film in Taiwan.