Taiwan bird-watching documentary wins gold at Japan tourism festival

The short won the highest honor in the festival's "Documentary and Vlog" category after coming out top against 1,131 other submissions, the administration said in a press release.

It explained that the annual JWTFF aims to promote travel destinations and showcase the appeal of different regions.

The festival's official website called it a "platform for passionate discussions on the future of tourism storytelling," aimed at exploring the essence of travel in human history while embracing the latest advancements in digital marketing and VR technology.

This year's focus was centered around the theme of "Forests and People: Toward the Inheritance of a Beautiful Harmony," the administration said.

It added that the short successfully captured the significance of ecotourism and showcased Taiwan's majestic landscapes and birdwatching resources.

The administration further praised the bird's-eye shots, saying the angles highlighted Taiwan's peaks, wetlands and forests, enhancing the island's tourism image.

The docu-short's Taiwanese-American director and screenwriter, Jay Chern (陳鈺杰), said that, in his view, some of the most moving shots were of a grey-faced buzzard in flight and little terns caring for their offspring.

The 7th Japan World's Tourism Film Festival was held from March 17-19 at the former Senkyo Elementary School in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture.

Meanwhile, the administration is urging birdwatchers to attend the "1st World Bird Fair," which will be held in Taichung in September and promote bird conservation and birdwatching ecotourism.