Before the Bright Day

The story is set in 1996, during a period marked by rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's first direct presidential election. Missile tests conducted by the People's Republic of China in waters near Kaohsiung and Keelung create widespread unease.

The protagonist, a junior high school student living in Zuoying District, navigates adolescence alongside his friends, engaging in school conflicts, fights, and early romantic relationships. Although largely indifferent to political developments, the changing social and political climate gradually influences his life. His father, a military officer, is recalled to duty, while economic uncertainties affect daily life in the community. Through a combination of personal and social events, the film portrays the uncertainties of youth and the subtle ways in which broader historical developments shape individual experiences.^[2]

• Chen Hsuan-li as Hsueh Po-chou
• Wu Kang-ren as Hsueh Yung-ming^[3]
• Sun Shu-may as Mei-chuan
• Huang Di-yang as Chen^[4]
• Cheng Yu-chieh

The film was developed with support from the Kaohsiung City Government's "Kaohsiung Film Fund" initiative, which has supported numerous film productions since 2011. The screenplay was created through a residency program and later selected for funding and production support.

Initial development began in 2019, but production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan, leading to funding withdrawals and revisions to the script. Earlier versions of the project included more commercial elements, but the final version shifted toward a more personal narrative focused on adolescence and identity.^[5]

The English title underwent several revisions, from "Beautiful Days in the South" to "Bright Days in the South", before settling on "Before the Bright Day". The final title reflects a transitional period in Taiwan's history prior to perceived social and political progress.^[6]

Director Tsao Shih-han described the film as a partially autobiographical work, with approximately 80% of the narrative inspired by his own experiences.^[7] The film explores themes of authority, family dynamics, and institutional pressure, particularly within the context of Taiwan's education system and social expectations during the 1990s.^[8]

Principal photography began in 2024 and took place entirely in Kaohsiung, including locations such as Zuoying, Chengcing Lake, Old City of Zuoying, and Guomao Community.^[9] The production team made efforts to recreate the atmosphere of 1996 Taiwan through set design, costumes, and props. Period-appropriate materials were sourced or rented, including political campaign flags and household items. Costumes were influenced by 1990s fashion trends, including Japanese popular culture.^[10]

The film was selected for screening at the 2025 San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it was the only Taiwanese film included in its section that year.^[11][12]

At the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, the film received three nominations, including:^[13]

• Best Director (Tsao Shih-han)
• Best Art Direction
• Best Costume Design

In February 2026, the film won the Jury Prize at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema.^[14]