After the approval of their request to film with President Tsai Ing-wen, the crew quickly got close enough to Taiwan’s first female president to make a film about her two terms in office. During the 7 years of filming, she strengthened Taiwan’s independence, improved relations with the US and stood up to China. The film is not just a portrait of a head of state, however: It tells a tale of courage, hopes and dreams, and by providing historical context, conveys the key to understanding the complex situation in a region where world peace is currently at stake. It captures Taiwan’s struggle for international recognition, which means nothing less than the island nation’s right to exist.