The TV program “Million Stars” was first launched in January 2007 . With the promise of a record deal and one million NT dollars (about 30,000 USD)... More

The TV program “Million Stars” was first launched in January 2007 . With the promise of a record deal and one million NT dollars (about 30,000 USD) to the firstplace winner, the show quickly became the most popular audition-based singing contest in Taiwanese television history. In content, the contest seemed no different from other talent-search competitions on TV; in reality, it was a pop cultural force to be reckoned. As the show continued, the fan base grew with incredible enthusiasm. The show also united emotionally estranged families in front of the TV,helping them communicate again by offering an entertaining conversation topic and a rare common ground. Owing to the phenomenon created by the first season, the second season attracted over 15,000 people in the preliminary audition. The challengers’background displayed great diversity and the stories behind them can be seen as a realistic snapshot of contemporary Taiwanese society, inspiring this documentary. This film is a sensitive observation on how Taiwanese young people hang on to their dreams in a seemingly hopeless and desperate society. Close