“When Will You Return” observes everyday life in Taiwan amid sustained geopolitical tension. On Kinmen—within sight of China—bunkers, drills and a visible military presence endure, yet community rituals, work and play keep the future in motion. Begun during the January 2024 elections, the project recenters people over headlines. Teresa Teng’s refrain, “When will you return?”, drifts across the Strait as a metaphor for longing, uncertainty and resolve. Here, courage is practice: preparing without certainties, tending relationships, building a future while outcomes remain open. Timeline: field production possible period 15 Oct 2025–15 Feb 2026 Use of funds (US$3,000): flights 800$ (Italy-Taiwan-Kinmen); lodging 300$ (mostly hosted); fixer/translation 600$ (as needed); prints materials 1,000$ (six fine-art prints, 30×40–75×100 cm); contingency 300$. Goals: 1) 25 shooting days on Kinmen plus targeted days in Taiwan for public events (Pride, civic-defense drills); 2) Kinmen on-site interviews and ambient recordings; 3) a 30-image final sequence with captions, an artist’s statement; 4) at least ten exhibition-ready prints (including pre-existing); 5) pitches to one Italian, one Taiwanese and two international outlets. 6) 1 exhibition in Taiwan (outside the Lucie Foundation tour)
