TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The New York Asian Film Festival (紐約亞洲影展, NYAFF) announced on Friday (June 20) that the Taiwanese drama "Islanders" (親密之海) will be featured, marking the first time in the festival's 24-year history that a Taiwanese series has been selected. Festival Director Samuel Jamier highlighted the drama's exploration of contemporary relationships and its broader perspective on Taiwan's generational changes over the past two decades.
Christopher Lee (李銘順) stars as Li Hsien-hung (李憲宏), a successful entrepreneur whose composed exterior belies his emotional turmoil. Lee described his character as "charming yet easily misunderstood as a playboy." Meanwhile, actor Wu Kang-ren (吳慷仁) plays Chen Han-jung (陳漢榮), who silently witnesses Li's emotional struggles and secrets, expressing a pure love for him.
Rima Zeidan (瑞瑪席丹) portrays Lin Li-lien (林莉蓮), who fearlessly disrupts Li's life trajectory, igniting an emotional storm that unveils deep-seated desires and fears. Yu Tzu-yu (于子育) plays Shen Hsiao-wen (沈曉雯), whose rational facade conceals intense emotions. Yu remarked that the character's persistence and suppressed passion are particularly challenging yet authentic to portray.
The "Islanders" premiere is on July 18 on the CATCHPLAY+ streaming platform in Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore, as well as on CATCHPLAY Movie Channel 61. As anticipation builds, viewers eagerly await the drama's debut, promising a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.
