TaiwanPlus News documentary series Finding Formosa has won the Award for Excellence in Video Reporting, Regional/Local, at the 2026 SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence. The award marks TaiwanPlus’ first SOPA Award since the network launched in 2021.
The award-winning episode, “What Matters More: Indigenous Culture or Animal Rights?”, focuses on the case of Bunun hunter Tama Talum, who found himself caught in Taiwan’s legal system. The documentary explores the tensions between Indigenous hunting traditions, animal welfare, and Taiwan’s legal framework. Through diverse perspectives and in-depth reporting, it examines the debates that continue to emerge as Taiwanese society works toward transitional justice.
SOPA judges described the program as “beautifully filmed,” praising the interview with Talum as “a masterclass in lighting, composition, and sound bite selection.” They also commended the documentary’s decision to forgo traditional narration and instead present a range of voices representing different sides of the debate. The judges further noted that while the story centers on Taiwan’s laws, it carries “global resonance” as societies around the world grapple with balancing environmental concerns and Indigenous rights.
“SOPA’s recognition of this story, about a small number of hunters in one of Taiwan’s most isolated rural communities, is a testament to the commonality of human experience and the continued power of bringing local issues to a global audience,” said director Alex Rednaxela.
Through Finding Formosa, TaiwanPlus brings international audiences into the conversations shaping contemporary Taiwan. The series explores how societies navigate competing priorities while maintaining empathy and understanding, inviting viewers to engage with the issues Taiwan is grappling with and the kind of society it aspires to become.
Established in 1999, the SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence are widely regarded as among the most prestigious journalism awards in the Asia-Pacific region, sometimes referred to as the “Pulitzer Prize of Asia.” The awards recognize outstanding journalism across categories including investigative reporting, public service journalism, feature writing, opinion writing, and video reporting. Leading international media organizations such as The New York Times, Reuters, Financial Times, Bloomberg, BBC, and The Economist are among previous recipients.
Several other Taiwanese outlets also earned Awards for Excellence this year, highlighting the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s journalism across investigative reporting, data journalism, long-form storytelling, and video production.
TaiwanPlus will continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to international audiences through in-depth journalism and documentary storytelling that fosters greater understanding across cultures and perspectives.
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