To enhance residents’ understanding of cross-regional biodiversity and deepen public awareness of ecological conservation, Kinmen National Park Headquarters (the Headquarters), under the National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior, hosted a special screening of the ecological documentary Fly! Mountain Hawk-Eagle at the Golden Lion Cinema on the afternoon of the 25th. The event brought together 350 participants, including representatives from local government agencies, communities, NGOs, schools, volunteer groups, and guesthouse operators who share an interest in environmental and ecological issues. The Headquarters also invited Director Liang Chieh-te, who spent 12 years making the film, to attend the event and share his filmmaking experiences with the audience following the screening.

The Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) is Taiwan’s largest raptor and is classified as an endangered protected wildlife species. In recent years, habitat fragmentation and global climate change have posed serious threats to its habitat and survival. Drawing on years of experience in ecological filmmaking, Director Liang spent 12 years documenting these “kings of the forest,” using his camera to capture their struggle for survival amid environmental change. He also documented the moving journey of conservationists seeking to strike a balance between protecting these magnificent birds and gaining a deeper understanding of their ecology.

The Headquarters noted that Kinmen is rich in birdlife and serves as an important stopover site for migratory birds. It has long been committed to local ecological conservation and habitat preservation. However, conservation efforts should not be constrained by geographical boundaries. Through this special screening of Fly! Mountain Hawk-Eagle, the Headquarters hopes to build a bridge for cross-regional biodiversity conservation, enabling Kinmen residents and partners from various sectors to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing Taiwan’s high-mountain forest ecosystems.

Students from Kaixuan Elementary School were captivated by the magnificent sight of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle soaring across the big screen, expressing amazement and admiration as they were drawn into the wonders of nature. Director Liang then shared behind-the-scenes stories from his 12-year filmmaking journey. Audience members enthusiastically participated in the discussion, creating a lively atmosphere of exchange and interaction.

The Headquarters expressed hope that the powerful images on the big screen, together with the director’s firsthand account, would inspire participants to translate their emotions and reflections into concrete actions in their daily lives. The Headquarters will continue to promote environmental education, build consensus among government agencies, communities, and civil society organizations, and expand the impact of ecological conservation efforts. Through collective action, it hopes to contribute to a sustainable environment in which future generations can live in harmony with nature.