TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The documentary film "My Mentor, My Father" follows the life of master Taiwanese sculptor Yang Yuyu (楊英風), known by many for works ranging from large outdoor abstractions to delicate table-top animal sculptures.

The film opens in theaters across Taiwan on Aug. 2 and was eight years in the making, led mostly by Yang’s third daughter, the Buddhist nun Shih Kuan-chien (釋寬謙), who served as the film’s producer.

Shih spoke with CNA about the film, which traces the life and work of her father, Yang Yuyu (1926–1997), and the many struggles she faced during filming. One personal challenge was her father’s objection to her decision to follow the dharma and become a Buddhist nun.

Shih said that during filming, the memory of her father led her to encounter many emotions. The most challenging time was when she informed her father about her intentions of becoming a nun and his cool response was that such a decision would conflict with the family’s Lunar New Year celebration, as she should delay her entrance into the monastery until a later date.

Shih said her father reluctantly accepted her decision and personally drove her to a monastery in the mountains shortly after the Lantern Festival.

Shih said she has viewed the documentary 50 times so far, and each scene seems like a farewell to her father and her family. "I have no regrets about how I interacted with my father in this lifetime. I think that I have even transcended the traditional role and perspective of a daughter," said Shih.

As the producer of the film, she intended to give the director more space and freedom to tell a story. When asked if she had any regrets about the film, Shih said the length of the film was too short and she was unable to present all of Yang Yuyu’s classic works to the audience. 

"Of course, we could not show everything, as there are too many artworks to cover. And after all, a film is also a work of art, and some scenes need to be cut as audiences may find a long film too difficult and cumbersome.”