Film Screening of 'Invisible Nation' and Q&A with Director Vanessa Hope

Invisible Nation offers an intimate and unprecedented look into the leadership of Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, and the island’s ongoing pursuit of democracy and autonomy in the face of mounting authoritarian pressure. With rare access to Tsai and her administration, the film traces her careful navigation between the competing geopolitical powers of the United States and China, revealing the complexities of sustaining freedom and self-determination under constant external threat. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant democratic society seeking greater international recognition, Invisible Nation resonates powerfully in a global moment marked by renewed concerns over authoritarian aggression, echoing the lessons of Ukraine while foregrounding Taiwan’s own struggle for security and dignity.

Vanessa Hope is an award-winning producer and director whose work focuses on China, US–China relations, and social issues. She has produced several acclaimed films, including The Story of Ermei, which was selected for the Berlin International Film Festival, and Tombée de Nuit sur Shanghai, directed by Chantal Akerman and featured in the omnibus film The State of the World, selected for the Cannes Film Festival. She also directed and produced documentary shorts including China in Three Words, an official selection at DOC NYC. Vanessa made her feature directorial debut with All Eyes and Ears, a documentary examining the complexities of US–China relations featuring former US Ambassador to China Gary Locke, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival. Her producing credits also include The Imperialists Are Still Alive!, William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, and Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America. Vanessa Hope co-founded Double Hope Films with her husband, Ted Hope. Before entering the film industry, she worked on foreign policy issues at the Council on Foreign Relations with Asia specialist Elizabeth Economy. She earned her BA in Anthropology and East Asian Studies from the University of Chicago and completed doctoral coursework at Columbia University before pursuing a career in film.

The screening will be opened by Dr Bo-jiun Jing, Senior Research Fellow and Programme Manager in Taiwan Studies at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, and the Q&A will be chaired by Ms Issy Wells, MSc candidate in Contemporary Chinese Studies and former reporter at TaiwanPlus and Radio Taiwan International. The screening is held in partnership with St Antony’s International Review (STAIR).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Investcorp Building, St Antony's College, Oxford, United Kingdom

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