Robot Somnambulism

by Richard HSIAO

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics OEM factory, manufactured and assembled more than 50% of iPhones in the world. In 2010, the serial suicides of Foxconn workers by jumping off a building caught attention. The second suicide attempter survived but became paralysed from the waist down. What’s more, an HTC engineer left a message on Facebook at midnight: "off work, issue still not resolved", then died at his apartment due to sudden cardiac disease. This film challenges the brave new world smartphone brought.

AWARDS & FESTIVALS

2016 Taiwan International Labour Film Festival - Closing Film
2016 South Taiwan Film Festival
2016 Taipei Labour Award - First Prize


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Running Time: 90 mins
Year of Completion: 2016
Director: Richard HSIAO

ABOUT DIRECTOR

Richard HSIAO

Richard HSIAO is a documentary filmmaker and social activist. Besides filmmaking, he also organises independent film festivals and founded the Taiwan Studio, Exhibition and Arts Labour Union.

ABOUT PRODUCER

CHI Yueh-chun

CHI Yueh-chun participated in various social movements as a video activist covering issues such as urban redevelopment and resettlement, urban indigenous communities, agriculture, environment, labour, independent media, as well as justice and human rights. He also took part in the development of webcasting, aiming to change broadcasting media via social activism. In recent years, he focuses on filming documentary and producing commercials and short films. He is currently planning the production of a feature film.