Dutch Sci-Fi heads to China for Ningbo 30° N Festival
A dynamic selection of Dutch short films will be showcased at the upcoming Ningbo 30° N Sci-Fi Film Festival, taking place from September 17th to 24th, 2025, in Ningbo, China. Organized by the China Film Association, the festival explores the theme "Across Mountains and Seas, Towards Space", aiming to position itself as a leading global platform for science fiction cinema and pop culture.
Still: I'm Not a Robot - Victoria Warmerdam
Among its many innovations, the festival is pioneering the world’s first "AI + IP Sci-Fi Filmmaker Lab", inspiring young filmmakers worldwide to explore innovative paths for sci-fi creation using artificial intelligence assisted tools and integrating AI into the filmmaking process.
With the support of the Netherlands Embassy, a curated collection of four Dutch films will be screened, representing a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives within the science fiction space.
One such film is Leaf, a visually rich short by Thom Lunshof, produced by Isabella Films. Aimed at younger audiences, Leaf tells the story of a boy who undergoes a strange physical transformation during a future-set journey through a vast desert. The film had its world premiere in the Fan Freak Fantastic Competition at Bogoshorts.
Adding a surreal and animated twist to the line-up is Lunatic*, directed by Robin Noorda and produced by the Tropism Art & Science Foundation. The film follows a lonely astronaut stationed on the moon, offering a darkly humorous and imaginative perspective on Earth’s most pressing challenges.
In addition, experimental documentary Metabolism* by Misho Antadze — produced by Revolver Amsterdam— observes robots working on a cow farm, in a restaurant, and in domestic settings, capturing a snapshot of our evolving relationship with technology. Described as “a wrily contemplative observation” of automation and consumerism, the film has previously screened at Sheffield DocFest and Go Short 2024.
Rounding out the Dutch selection is I’m Not a Robot*, the acclaimed short by Victoria Warmerdam, produced by OAK Motion Pictures and sold internationally by Premium Films. The story follows Lara, a music producer who begins to question her own humanity after repeatedly failing online CAPTCHA tests. With sharp wit and an unsettling undercurrent, the film has resonated globally — winning the 2025 Oscar® for Best Live Action Short Film and earning over 190 festival selections.
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*film supported by the Netherlands Film Fund