TaiwanPlus will premiere “Uncovering Taiwan,” a two-part documentary series exploring Taiwan’s landscapes, wildlife and communities. Produced by Berlin Producers Media in partnership with rbb, Volos Films, ARTE and TaiwanPlus, the series examines the relationship between people and nature across Taiwan and its outlying islands.
Part of ARTE’s international “Uncovering” documentary collection, the series takes viewers into Taiwan’s forests, mountains, coastal areas and outer islands. Researchers, conservationists, Indigenous communities, farmers, fishers and local residents share their knowledge and experiences, offering insight into Taiwan’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The first episode, “From the Sea to the Summit,” focuses on Taiwan’s main island, historically known as Ilha Formosa, or “Beautiful Isle” and features researchers looking for signs of climate change 80 meters up in the canopy of the giant Taiwania cypress tree. It follows wildlife veterinarians caring for endemic species, culminating in the release into the wild of a rehabilitated Taiwan Black Bear, an endangered species of which only a few hundred remain, and even describes how the practice of “Beast Running” is bringing a wider global appreciation of the incredible biodiversity of Taiwan’s mountain ranges and their need for protection.
The second episode, “Treasures of the Pacific,” visits Turtle Island, one of only three places in the world where hydrothermal vent crabs thrive in the underwater acidic volcanic environment, Xiaoliuqiu, where five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle come to lay their eggs, and Orchid Island, who’s Indigenous Tao people practice sustainable forestry that has sustained their maritime ventures for millennia. The episode further examines efforts to re-establish Penghu’s ancient fishing weirs and captures the mysterious phenomenon of the “Blue Tears” that make the waves around the Matsu archipelago glow in the dark.
Filmmaker Stefano Centini, founder of Volos Films, directed the series after more than 15 years of living and working in Taiwan. Based between Taiwan and Europe, Centini combines international filmmaking experience with local knowledge. “Uncovering Taiwan brings together stories from different parts of the country to show how its natural environments connect with the people who live and work among them,” Centini said. “We wanted to explore places that are difficult to reach and give audiences a closer look at Taiwan’s biodiversity, landscapes and cultural history.”
Karence Chang, producer of “Uncovering Taiwan,” said the production relied on collaboration with local communities, researchers and conservation organizations.
“The series highlights places that hold important natural and cultural value for Taiwan,” Chang said. “By working closely with the people who know these environments best, we hope to give international audiences a deeper understanding of Taiwan and its unique island ecosystems.”
“Uncovering Taiwan” will be available to international audiences through TaiwanPlus’ website, app and YouTube channel from Sept. 16.
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