THE PIONEERS (RESTORATION)

An epic story centred on Asia’s first oil well.

During the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, Hakka pioneers crossed the seas to Taiwan and dug Asia’s first oil well in Miaoli. From clearing wilderness to building a thriving industry, the WU Lin-fang family’s story reveals a hidden chapter in Taiwan’s industrial history. This film illustrates the coexistence of Hakka migrants and indigenous peoples, while reflecting Cold War-era stereotypes of Westerners. Viewed today, it becomes a historical testament to cultural misunderstanding and the search for identity. Feature HSU Feng and an appearance by James HONG, beloved star of the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once.