Documentary on Jinshan’s traditional fire fishing method takes top prize at Houston Film Fest

A traditional fishing method known as fire fishing has been practiced for over a century in New Taipei’s Jinshan. In recent years, however, due to marine pollution, fish are disappearing, and since this kind of fishing is no longer lucrative, few are willing to do it. Realizing that the sun is setting on this unique tradition, a documentarian decided to capture it on film. His end product, “The Fishing Fire Light of Hope” took the top prize at the 56th Houston International Film Festival over the weekend.

The fire master ignites a torch and lowers it close to the surface of the sea. The light and the hissing sound startle the fish, causing them to jump out of the water. This is when the net is cast to capture the fish.

This century-old fishing method has been passed down since the Japanese colonial period. A fire master on the fishing boat would use the bright light of a burning torch to attract sardines. The hissing of the burning torch scares the fish and causes them to jump out of the water. However, this unique fishing method is becoming obsolete. Currently, there’s only one fire fishing boat left. A local filmmaker decided to make a documentary to capture this traditional practice unique to Taiwan.

Yu Ying-zong
Filmmaker
As a local director, I feel that I need to record these images before fire fishing disappears.

According to Yu, it wasn’t easy trying to find a fire master. Because of marine pollution, fish are disappearing, and since this kind of fishing is no longer lucrative, few are willing to do it. But he didn’t give up. His documentary “The Fishing Fire Light of Hope” was shown at the Houston International Film Festival before taking the highest honor of the Remi Platinum Award.

Lai Pin-yu
DPP lawmaker
This special aspect of the culture of Jinshan can now be seen by the whole world. I feel very proud and very happy. In recent years, we have tried to integrate tourism as part of our transformation, and now we have made some gains. We invite people to come and learn about sulfuric fire fishing and other attractions in Jinshan.

Fang Jheng-guang
North Coast & Guanyinshan Nat’l Scenic Area Admin.
In the last couple of years, we have come to realize that due to changes in the climate and environment, fire fishing has gradually declined. I think that cultural assets must rely on the assistance of various organizations.

The winning documentary recorded not only the century-old practice, but also the heartfelt wishes of the fire masters. By putting the spotlight on this unique feature of Jinshan’s heritage, it now allows more people to appreciate and remember this one-of-a-kind fishing method.