Formosa Dream Chasers

Trust in the reliability of media is more critical than ever, as misinformation continues to spread rapidly. In an age where audiences are constantly bombarded with conflicting information, ensuring journalistic integrity has become a global priority.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has spent decades advocating for truthful journalism, protecting journalists, and upholding press freedom.

Joining us is Benjamin Sabbah, Director of the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) at RSF. As he shares his experiences in media organizations, he also explains what led him to transition to RSF, where he now promotes JTI. Tune in to find out how he’s helping lead the charge toward more transparent and trustworthy media around the world.

We continue our conversation with Alex Khomenko, a Ukrainian currently living in Taiwan. In previous episodes, Alex shared how he began advocating for peace in Ukraine shortly after moving to Taiwan, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Alex is one of the founding members of the advocacy group Taiwan Stands With Ukraine, which regularly organizes cultural events and protests to garner support for Ukraine here in Taiwan.

In this final part of our conversation, Alex discusses upcoming cultural events they’re planning for this year, as well as reflect on some of the most memorable moments from the past three years.

Previously, Ukrainian activist Alex Khomenko from Taiwan Stands With Ukraine stated that the Russo-Ukrainian War isn’t—and shouldn’t be—seen as an ethnic conflict. Today, he breaks down why that’s the case. He also shares more about Taiwan Stands With Ukraine and what the group is doing to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty.

P.S. Taiwan Stands With Ukraine invites everyone to join them for Masnytsia, a beloved Ukrainian tradition featuring delicious pancakes (mlyntsi), festive music, and joyful gatherings, happening on March 16 (Sunday) at Another Brick (31 Xinhai Rd, Section 1 - Taipower Building MRT).

For more details, you can also go to their:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twstandswithukraine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standwithukraine_tw/

In previous episodes, we met Taiwanese-Ukrainian couple Lin Yue (林月) and Olga Kulish, who opened their restaurant, Hata, as an unexpected consequence of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Wanting to better understand the roots of this conflict, Mary Anne and Ching-en invited Alex Khomenko, a representative of Taiwan Stands With Ukraine (TSWU), to share his perspective.

Born during the Soviet era, Alex reflects on his journey to embracing his Ukrainian identity after realizing what Russia truly represents. He explains why the Russo-Ukrainian War is not an ethnic conflict and how it has profoundly shaped his life in Taiwan.

From building a business in Ukraine to starting over in Taiwan, Lin Yue’s (林月) journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and cultural connection.

In this episode, he shares how the war uprooted him from the life he built in Ukraine, the struggles he faced upon returning home, and how he and his wife Olga turned adversity into opportunity—opening Hata, one of the very few Ukrainian restaurants in Taiwan.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the power of food in bringing people together!

Mary Anne and Ching-en visited Hata, a Ukrainian restaurant in Kaohsiung, where they spoke with one of the owners, Olga Kulish.

Olga shared her journey of learning Mandarin Chinese and the story of how she and her family relocated to Taiwan.

She also discussed the similarities and differences between Ukrainian and Taiwanese cuisines, her perspective on Taiwanese culture, and the campaign she launched to support Ukraine in southern Taiwan.

At the end of the interview, Olga offered her thoughts on the Taiwan-Ukraine relationship and shared her wisdom on overcoming life’s challenges.

As Mary Anne and Ching-en wrap up their interview with Indonesian-Taiwanese filmmaker Martin Rustandi, they turn their focus to Taiwan’s migrant workers and new immigrants.

Our hosts explore the growing number of individuals in these communities and highlight government initiatives aimed at providing practical information, resources, and support.

Indonesian-Taiwanese filmmaker Martin Rustandi takes us behind the scenes of his latest mini-documentary series, Not Far From Home, which delves into the lives of Indonesian immigrants in Taiwan. He reveals the intense process of narrowing down the stories of 150 applicants, each eager to share their migrant journey, and how he chose the voices that were the most representative and would make the most impact on the viewers.

Beyond the selection, Martin shares the delicate art of building trust with his main characters, allowing him to authentically capture their lives in Taiwan. He also reflects on the striking similarities and differences between Indonesia and Taiwan, offering a deeper perspective on the migrant experience. Most importantly, he discusses the take away he hopes this series will have on viewers, leaving them with a message that lingers long after the final frame.

In today’s episode, we explore the balance between pursuing your passions and maintaining a full-time career.

We are joined by Niya Chen (陳怡安), a poet and administration worker for a Taiwanese NGO. Niya shares how she successfully nurtured her love for poetry alongside her career, having already published two books under her real name and with plans for a third in the near future.

Join us as we dive into her journey and discover how to balance one's passion and career!

In the second part of our conversation, animation director and founder of Aco Creative, Aco Chang (張吾青) shares her motivation for founding her company and details the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

From gaining international recognition and earning awards to establishing herself as an independent animator, Aco’s story is one of resilience and creative determination. She offers valuable advice for aspiring animators, sharing insights on what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of animation.

Her animated films are as follows:

01《My Grandmother Is an Egg》

Synopsis: The film reflects the fragility and resilience of a woman who faced oppression from unjust Confucian traditions, centered on the director’s grandmother’s experience as a T’ung-yang-hsi.

Website: www.wuchingchang.com/film/my-grandmother-is-an-egg

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/440472859

02《Hello to Me in 100 Years》

Synopsis: The film combines children’s interviews, historical archives, and paintings to explore imaginative worlds across time. It highlights that life needs one another, so we won’t be alone.

Website: www.wuchingchang.com/film/hello-to-me-in-100-years

Full Film: www.ptsplus.tv/zh/programs/6dfe619b-0d6b-48ae-8216-434669646b45

03《Bird》

Synopsis: The girl suffers from a feeling of great discomfort that comes without warning, like an uncontrollable disaster. When the panic is accompanied by a flapping of wings, a chaotic, dissociated journey into her unconscious...