Han Hsu Tung — The Taiwanese Sculptor Redefining Wooden Art
A 4-minute short doc by José Amaral for Ruptly TV, capturing Taiwanese artist Han Hsu Tung’s mesmerizing kinetic wooden sculptures and creative process in Taoyuan City.
Shot and edited in 2022 by José Amaral as one of his final assignments for Ruptly News Agency, this documentary explores the mesmerizing work of Taiwanese artist Han Hsu Tung, who went viral for his hyper-realistic wooden sculptures.
Filmed in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, the report captures Han’s creative process and the intricate craftsmanship behind his kinetic art. One standout piece—a sculpture of a woman appearing to wear a cosmetic face mask—demonstrates his mastery of optical illusion. “Actually, this whole ‘mask’ is made of wood; there is nothing attached to it. These decorations have been painted on. It’s a visual game,” Han explained.
Han’s interactive wooden sculptures move, react, and even produce sound when touched, inviting audiences to see, feel, and hear the essence of craftsmanship. Over the past three decades, his works have been exhibited internationally in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, New York, and Los Angeles, earning global recognition.
Filmed and Produced by: José Amaral
Commissioned by: Ruptly TV
Location: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Commissioned by: Ruptly TV
Location: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Taiwan Documentary — Civilian First Aid Training Amid Rising Tensions With China
Documentary filmed and produced by José Amaral for Ruptly TV in Taipei, showing Taiwan’s ruling party training civilians in first aid amid rising tensions with China.
This short documentary report from Taiwan, filmed and produced by José Amaral for Ruptly TV, focuses on a civilian first aid training course organized by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei.
Amid growing cross-strait tensions with China, Taiwan’s ruling party has launched a series of initiatives to help civilians learn emergency and first aid skills. The training includes how to move injured people, apply bandages, and respond to crisis situations — empowering citizens to act quickly in case of accidents or conflict.
“If you want to save a life, you need to act — and learning basic first aid can make all the difference,” said one participant.
This Taiwan first aid documentary offers a glimpse into the island’s growing sense of public preparedness and resilience, as geopolitical uncertainty continues to shape daily life.
Filmed and Produced by: José Amaral
Commissioned by: Ruptly TV
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Commissioned by: Ruptly TV
Location: Taipei, Taiwan