Cooking Up Democracy (2026)

While democracies around the world are faltering, the island republic of Taiwan seems remarkably resilient against the attacks of China's autocracy. What makes the Taiwanese so resistant? Is it their decades-long struggle against dictatorship, which finally brought freedom in 1987? Or the Sunflower Movement of 2014, when students occupied the parliament for three weeks and forced the government to listen to the people? Cooking up Democracy is a cinematic journey into Taiwan's vibrant civic society — guided by former non-binary Digital Minister Audrey Tang, who inspires us with her vision of a pluralistic, open form of digital democracy. We meet queer activists who fight for human rights, diversity, and democratic participation: At Daybreak, a lounge and gathering place for activists, we encounter Brian, a journalist for The Guardian and CNN, and Yo-Ling, who leads workshops on queer identity. In the old town, Zo and Tiffany welcome us to their tea house Grassland, where they serve delicious drinks made from wild herbs and explore the hidden value of these seemingly worthless plants. At Hotline, Taiwan's oldest LGBTQ+ organization, we meet Tong, a trans man, who shares a home and a quiet bond shaped by mutual respect across generations with his elderly lesbian mother. We also visit Yi-Chien, a gender studies professor and former chairperson of Taiwan's longest-standing feminist organization, in her bookstore — a place that offers selected wines as well as readings and lively discussions. There we meet Shu-Wen, who played a key role in achieving marriage equality in Taiwan. Through their stories, we gain insight into their lives — and perhaps begin to understand the deeper fabric of Taiwanese society and what truly sustains its democracy.

Premiere

11 Sep 2026 (in 2 days)

Director

Monika Treut

Countries

Germany

Languages

English

Available Versions

OmU

Open-Air Showtimes

No