Video: A Special Bonus from GCI’s In-Depth Exploration of Chinese Economy and Art

“I was thrilled when GCI first approached me for this project. From our very first online meeting, I began to grasp the scope of what we were about to create. That realization only fueled my excitement—I knew this journey would be truly extraordinary.”

“Because I was following a group of researchers on their own mission, I tried to avoid setting rigid expectations. Instead, I aimed to document everything as authentically as possible, allowing the experience to unfold naturally. In a documentary like this, storytelling is my priority— it’s about capturing the participants, their experiences, and how their research questions find answers through the journey. At the same time, I challenged myself to make every shot visually compelling, ensuring that each shot is both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing. I also asked myself: How can I portray this trip— the memories we created together— in a way that allows us to relive it, even ten years from now?”

Kevin at work

“Over the past few years, I’ve been learning the language and immersing myself in the culture, exploring my own Chinese heritage through my mother. That journey naturally influenced this project. I made a conscious effort to create something authentic—to zoom in to the nuances of the rich Chinese culture and the incredible places we visited. That awareness shaped the way I filmed. If you don’t pay attention to the deeper meanings behind the architecture, traditions, and daily life, you risk missing those authentic details. I don’t think I would have captured them if I didn’t have a genuine interest in the culture myself.”

“What excited me most was the personal connection—the opportunity to learn more about my own heritage. I became completely immersed in the process, pouring everything into crafting this video. For me, the journey of making it became an exploration in itself.”

“An elderly war veteran and his wife approached us, eager to take a picture with the group. If you look at everyone’s faces in that moment—his, ours—you see pure joy. It was a genuine connection, built entirely on happiness. That simple interaction became one of my favorite moments to capture. In fact, it ended up being the final shot of the video.”

“Having lived these moments with the group, I felt an emotional connection to the project. It wasn’t just about showing up and doing a job; it was about being part of something larger. It became a collection of shared memories that we all now carry together. And throughout the editing process, that feeling kept coming back to me, shaping every decision I made.”

“I poured my heart into this project, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Of course, what the viewers see and feel is important, but at a certain point, it’s out of my hands. All I can do is hope that they experience these moments with us—and maybe even feel inspired to visit China and explore the beautiful places for themselves.”

From the beginning, the idea of a short documentary was on the table. However, for the project organizers at GCI, the film itself was never the ultimate goal. What mattered most was creating a meaningful and unforgettable journey for everyone involved. While a video can be edited, revised, or even deleted, cherished memories remain indelible in people’s hearts.

That vision resonated naturally with Kevin. Rather than simply documenting the experience, he infused the film with the team’s shared journey and his own personal exploration. The result? More than just a video—it became a heartfelt keepsake, a beautiful and unexpected bonus that will stay with the participants and GCI long after the project ends.

The project team is watching the documentary short at Kevin’s studio in Amsterdam.