Taiwan's record-breaking 'Sunshine Women's Choir' set for mainland release

After breaking box office records in Taiwan, "Sunshine Women's Choir" is set for release on the Chinese mainland on April 4, with its cast and crew traveling to Beijing to promote the film.

Cast and crew of "Sunshine Women's Choir" pose for a photo at a screening of the film in Beijing, March 30, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Wanda Film]

Directed by Gavin Lin and starring Ivy Chen, Judy Ongg and Chung Hsin-Ling, the film follows women inmates who bear painful pasts but support and care for one another. When a baby born in prison falls ill, they form a choir to give her a final gift. This story, filled with warmth, music and redemption, brought many of the audience members to tears at the Beijing screening on March 30.

The cast and crew also shared their reflections on the film and on family bonds, conveying a powerful message of love. Ivy Chen shared that only after becoming a mother herself did she truly understand that a mother's love is unconditional and profound. Meanwhile, Chung Hsin-Ling said that a mother is the warmest source of support, and that the best way for children to give back is to take good care of themselves.

A live concert was also held in another venue after the film screening, with the cast performing several classic songs from the film, touching many audience members, while also getting them excited to dance during the upbeat numbers.

"Sunshine Women's Choir" reunites the creators behind another phenomenal tearjerker, "More Than Blue" (2018), with director Gavin Lin and screenwriter Hermes Lyu once again joining forces. It has grossed over NT$750 million ($23 million) in the Taiwan region, breaking the 18-year box office record held by "Cape No. 7" to become the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Taiwan.