This November, the documentary Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey will be screened in a special series of events across four major cities in China, hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing and the Consulates General in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. These screenings are more than just cinematic moments—they are invitations to reflect on the urgent challenges facing our planet’s water systems, and to celebrate the individuals working tirelessly to safeguard their future.
Our Blue World is a powerful exploration of water as the thread that connects cultures, ecosystems, and human wellbeing. From remote rural communities to densely populated cities, the film follows a series of personal and place-based stories that shine a light on the deep relationship between people and water—both past and present. At its core, the documentary is a call to action: to protect, to restore, and to reimagine how we live with water in the face of climate change.
One of the film’s most influential voices is the late Professor Kongjian Yu (俞孔坚教授), a visionary Chinese landscape architect best known for pioneering the Sponge Cities concept—a nature-based design approach that helps cities absorb, manage, and reuse water sustainably. Originally introduced in China, the concept has since been embraced globally, shaping urban resilience strategies from Asia to Europe. Professor Yu’s insights, values, and presence are felt deeply throughout the film. Tragically, he passed away in September 2025 during an ecological expedition in Brazil. This series of screenings also stands as a tribute to his life’s work and enduring legacy.
Joining him in the narrative is Dutch environmentalist Li An Phoa (潘理安), founder of the Drinkable Rivers movement. Her vision is simple, yet profound: rivers should once again be clean enough to drink. Through long river walks, citizen science, and community engagement, her work invites people to reconnect with their waterways and to restore their health. As a key protagonist in the film, her presence also reflects the longstanding collaboration between the Netherlands and China in the field of water innovation and environmental stewardship.
The screenings will take place throughout November 2025, beginning in Guangzhou on the 17th, followed by Shanghai on the 20th, Hong Kong on the 22nd, and concluding in Beijing on the evening of the 25th. Each event will feature the film with Chinese subtitles, and select venues may also host panel discussions or dialogues to further explore the themes presented on screen.
In bringing Our Blue World to audiences in China, this series invites reflection, dialogue, and shared inspiration. It is a chance to listen to voices that bridge science and storytelling, tradition and innovation—and to imagine together a future where water is protected for generations to come.
