Invisible Nation

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Invisible Nation

Released May 24, 2024

1h 25m

Documentary

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80%

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10 Reviews

97%

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100+ Ratings

With unprecedented access to Taiwan's sitting head of state, director Vanessa Hope investigates the election and tenure of Tsai Ing-wen, the first female president of Taiwan. Thorough, incisive and bristling with tension, Invisible Nation is a living account of Tsai’s tightrope walk as she balances the hopes and dreams of her nation between the colossal geopolitical forces of the U.S. and China. Hope's restrained observational style captures Tsai at work in her country's vibrant democracy at home, while seeking full international recognition of Taiwan's right to exist. At a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated the ever-present threat of authoritarian aggression, Invisible Nation brings punctual focus to the struggle of Taiwan as it fights for autonomy and freedom from fear.

Kathrin Hille

Financial Times

But this time, a global audience can see and hear Taiwan’s own story via Invisible Nation, a tour de force through the country’s democracy, history, social and economic achievements and international isolation.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 7, 2024

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

As a work of journalistic explication for interested but underinformed western viewers, it’s a bit all over the shop, although admittedly the history of the island is fiendishly complex and confusing.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 3, 2024

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Richard Kuipers

Variety

Taiwan’s transformation from an authoritarian state to a flourishing democracy determined to decide its own future is charted in the engrossing and highly informative documentary “Invisible Nation.”

Jan 21, 2024

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Jay Liu

The Asian Cut

Perhaps as an American, Hope feels the need to educate her compatriots and spread the Taiwanese cause to her home country, therefore making the blandest, most cookie-cutter “intro to Taiwan” documentary possible.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 31, 2025

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Robert W. Monk

Flickering Myth

Invisible Nation makes a profound statement about Taiwanese democracy and its ongoing quest for stability and economic success.

Dec 3, 2024

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Occasionally fascinating, but often hagiographic, overstuffed and myopic.

Jun 1, 2024

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Allison R

Prior to watching this movie I was completely unaware about the history, conflict and tension between China and Taiwan. This movie did an amazing job of being informative while also showcasing humor and humanity to bring Taiwan to life. I’m so invested in the future of this country now - the world needs to see this to understand what’s at stake.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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garvin l

Not only is this film informative, but it is also very entertaining.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/24

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Kelly L

Absolutely a must watch if you’re interested in foreign policy, human rights, democracy and freedom. Vanessa Hope and her team went through incredible odds and continues to persist in telling Taiwan’s story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/24

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Vanessa Hope

Director

Tsai Ing-wen

Self

Vanessa Hope

Producer

Ted Hope

Producer

Cassandra Jabola

Producer

Ivan Orlic

Producer

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Synopsis

With unprecedented access to Taiwan's sitting head of state, director Vanessa Hope investigates the election and tenure of Tsai Ing-wen, the first female president of Taiwan. Thorough, incisive and bristling with tension, Invisible Nation is a living account of Tsai’s tightrope walk as she balances the hopes and dreams of her nation between the colossal geopolitical forces of the U.S. and China. Hope's restrained observational style captures Tsai at work in her country's vibrant democracy at home, while seeking full international recognition of Taiwan's right to exist. At a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated the ever-present threat of authoritarian aggression, Invisible Nation brings punctual focus to the struggle of Taiwan as it fights for autonomy and freedom from fear.

Director: Vanessa Hope
Producer: Vanessa Hope, Ted Hope, Cassandra Jabola, Ivan Orlic
Distributor: Abramorama
Production Co: Double Hope Films, Seine Pictures, 100 Chapters Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 25m