Taiwan Creative Content Fest Opens With Record Attendance; ‘96 Minutes’ Hits NT$200 Million Milestone

The 2025 Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF) commenced on October 19, showcasing a record-breaking international turnout. Minister of Culture Li Yuan announced that the local action thriller ‘96 Minutes’ has surpassed NT$200 million (approximately $6.4 million) in box office earnings, marking a significant milestone for Taiwan’s film industry.

This accomplishment signifies a notable recovery for Taiwan’s cinema. In 2022, local box office revenue had suffered a decline of 35% due to pandemic restrictions and competition with international films. In contrast, ‘96 Minutes’, directed by Yoon Jong-hee, has revitalized interest in local productions, emphasizing a shift in audience preferences.

Previously, Taiwan's film scene faced significant challenges. In 2019, local productions accounted for just 12% of total box office receipts, according to industry records. However, this correction represents a strategic pivot towards action films, as seen in the global success of similar titles like ‘Train to Busan’ which also achieved over NT$200 million at the box office.

Industry experts attribute the success of TCCF to its engaging programming, with over 3,000 international participants from 20 countries. This aligns with Taiwan's goal of expanding its creative content market, established by the formation of TCCF in 2018. Past iterations of the festival have focused on promoting collaboration between local creators and international industry players.

The film ‘96 Minutes’ uniquely positioned itself as a box office favorite by featuring high-paced action and a compelling narrative, similar to other popular Taiwanese films like ‘The Tag-Along’ which gained international recognition back in 2015. Sources say that the film's strong performance reflects a broader trend of Taiwanese films increasingly appealing to younger demographics.

This growth trajectory also benefited from the recent success of other local projects. The hit series ‘The World Between Us’ demonstrated that Taiwanese content could engage audiences on streaming platforms. Following this success, plans for a sequel to ‘96 Minutes’ are already underway, aiming for a release in 2026.

Looking forward, TCCF will continue expanding its influence, with scheduled events until October 25 that include panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers. This festival is critical for setting new trends in Taiwan's entertainment landscape.

In conclusion, the combination of record attendance at TCCF and the box office success of ‘96 Minutes’ are not only indicators of a revitalized industry but also signal a significant cultural shift. Taiwanese filmmakers are now poised to capture larger international markets, potentially leading to greater collaboration and innovation in the years to come.