New Film 'Revisiting 921' Tracks Down People Photographed in 1999 Disaster
A new documentary, "Revisiting 921," follows award-winning Canadian photojournalist David Smith as he attempts to track down people he photographed 25 years ago in the aftermath of Taiwan's deadliest earthquake. The full documentary can be watched here: https://www.taiwanplus.com/shows/culture/revisiting-921/240918015/revisiting-921-remembering-taiwans-deadliest-earthquake-full-documentary
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Revisiting 921: Returning to the Scene of Taiwan’s Deadliest Day
To mark the 25th anniversary of the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999, a poignant new documentary titled “Revisiting 921” has been released. The film was directed by Roger Cheng and features Canadian photojournalist David Smith, who photographed some of the most enduring images of the aftermath of the “921” or “Jiji” quake, which killed nearly 2,500 people and destroyed over 50,000 homes.
The documentary premiered at a special screening hosted by the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. Smith, who was on the ground during the disaster, reflects on how it shaped his career and emotional landscape. “It’s always been on my mind,” he says. “The 921 earthquake was the biggest news event I ever covered, and it affected me a lot.”
A Journey Through Time
The film follows Smith’s journey to reconnect with individuals featured in his iconic photographs taken during the aftermath of the earthquake. Beginning with Smith’s award-winning photograph of a firefighter draping his coat over a survivor, Smith's images captured the human spirit in crisis. His quest to find those portrayed in his photos began as a daunting idea.
Cheng initially viewed the project to track down subjects of photos taken a quarter of a century ago as “mission impossible.” One touching moment involves finding a newborn baby delivered just days before the earthquake in a remote Indigenous community, a moment Cheng says gave him “goosebumps.”
A Lasting Impact
Smith's coverage of the disaster took an emotional toll on him, he says. He recalls the horrors of documenting the aftermath: “You feel like a ghoul. You can't look into people's eyes without seeing their hurt.” His reflections are balanced by the hope that the documentary will serve as a historical record and a lesson for future generations.
The filmmakers emphasize that important lessons were learned from the tragedy, contributing to improved disaster response strategies.
As Taiwan marks 25 years since its deadliest earthquake of recent times, “Revisiting 921” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of that day and its mark on the national consciousness. Through personal stories and haunting images, the documentary encapsulates the strength and resilience of a community that continues to learn and grow.
