December 5-11, 2011
Headline News
Seediq Bale actor and pastor advises youth to learn from film and be pro-active
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
What can today’s Taiwanese youths learn from the newest epic sensation Seediq Bale? Pastor Nolay Piho, who played the lead role in the film as Mona Rudao, believes that indigenous people today face similar challenges and oppressions as their forefathers and the characters depicted in the film. “Unless you fight back, you will be trampled,” he said, adding that they can fight back by staying plugged in and involved in the realms of arts, culture, and humanities, and staying vocal and proactive.
Nolay Piho’s counsel was echoed by PCT Indigenous Ministry Committee Secretary Omi Wilang, who feels the film is a reminder to all indigenous groups to pursue self-realization, reconciliation, hope, justice, and love. As for indigenous youths, the film is a call to discover and understand their own identity, culture, and uniqueness, and rely on God to guide them in their future paths.
A youth forum themed “What Seediq Bale means for youths” was held on December 3, 2011, for PCT youth leaders. It featured speakers such as Nolay Piho from Lopwe Presbyterian Church, Omi Wilang, and PCT Youth Ministry Committee Secretary Etan Pavavalung. Interestingly enough, the three were already acquaintances as they were classmates at Yushan Seminary years ago. Many youths attending this forum were excited at prospects of getting a peek, a picture, or an autograph of Nolay Piho who is now a national celebrity because of his lead role.
When he addressed the youths at this conference, Nolay Piho recounted the journey and circumstances leading to landing his lead role in Seediq Bale, beginning with being introduced to the film’s director Wei Te-sheng via his younger brother, Rev. Yuhaw Piho. During the filming, Nolay Piho not only took temporary leave as pastor of an indigenous church, he also underwent cardiac catheterization surgery.
He said that shortly after finishing intensive training for the film, he was rushed to the hospital for emergency cardiac surgery whereupon his surgeon told him he shouldn’t resume work so quickly. From that time on, he began to pray frequently for his health and experienced God’s protection.
He also recounted God’s financial provision during filming because there was a period of 3 months when there wasn’t enough funding to pay for cast and crew salaries. But God provided for the team’s needs every time and he was also able to master a completely foreign indigenous language and long script through divine help.
Nolay PIho said he was reminded of the oppression that indigenous peoples still face today while filming Seediq Bale. He had personally experienced this oppression before during a quest to stop corporations from exploiting a beautiful fall in Hualien. He urged Christians today to fight injustice and learn from Jesus.
As for who will take home the title of Best New Performer at the Golden Horse Awards, Nolay Piho said he hoped the prize would be his, but regardless of the outcome, he is scheduled to go back home and resume pastoral work next year because people at home and at his church need him.
