“NFTY30,” produced by Chinese-American filmmaker Springna Zhao, offers a comprehensive look into the Web3 revolution through the lens of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). “NFTY30” explores how digital art is reshaping the worlds of artists, musicians, and investors, providing an insightful overview of the opportunities and challenges within the NFT ecosystem.
Zhao was a keynote speaker at NFT.NYC, where the “NFTY30” trailer was screened. Zhao’s partners include notable figures like Spike Lee and also, Barry Alexander Brown, who was a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Springna Zhao’s career journey, enriched by experiences in investment banking, finance, international diplomacy, and now, Hollywood film production, directs her camera lens toward the vibrant world of Web3 and NFTs. Her inquisitive nature about investments and a keen sensitivity to the evolving art scene worldwide fueled her interest in creating “NFTY30,” especially as NFTs gained prominence during the pandemic. With New York City in lockdown in 2020 and ample time to explore the digital domain, Zhao’s curiosity deepened. However, the absence of accessible documentaries to satisfy her curiosity and connect her with the disruptors and innovators in the Web3 space sparked an idea. Recognizing a shared global curiosity about NFTs and the desire for an engaging, educational medium amidst the daunting jargon of blockchain technology, she envisioned creating a documentary. Her goal: to illuminate the Web3 landscape in an entertaining, non-intimidating manner for those new to digital exchanges and blockchain, thereby broadening the understanding and appeal of NFTs.
Zhao crafted a title that nods to the coolness of NFTs, nifty, but also alludes to the film’s core mission: to spotlight the top 30 luminaries revolutionizing the world with NFTs and disruptive technologies. Zhao’s ambition for the film extends beyond mere entertainment; she aspires to educate viewers about the digital and NFT realms, introducing them to the creators, innovators, and life-changers who leverage technology for meaningful impact. Through “Nifty30,” Zhao seeks to unravel the complexities of adopting such technologies, highlighting both their potential benefits and inherent risks while also contemplating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “I almost thought I would never be able to make this documentary in 2023 with the FTX collapse, and the bottoming of NFTs, when there was so much negativity towards this industry. But then I thought, adversity means opportunities. For a real documentary, you need to tell the full story, not just good, but also the bad.”
Springna emphasizes the authenticity of the human stories at the core of her documentary, believing they will resonate deeply with audiences watching from their screens. She highlights a dual focus: celebrating the potential and beauty of future technology and AI while also acknowledging the risks involved. However, she asserts that recognizing these potential dangers should not deter us from embracing the new technology, “Genuine human stories are what my heart believes will connect audiences… we want to focus on the beauty and the promises of the future for this tech and AI. But at the same time, we’re not shying away from the potential risks. We want to point those out, but it is not a reason for us to be afraid.”
The selection process for the documentary’s subjects was meticulously planned to ensure a rich tapestry of perspectives. Zhao and her team set several criteria for choosing their interviewees, prioritizing a deep understanding of the NFT space, a commitment to diversity, and a track record of innovation and influence. They aimed to feature a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh voices across various domains—artists, collectors, developers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—each contributing unique insights into the NFT ecosystem, blockchain, the metaverse, and AI.
This rigorous selection process boasts a diverse lineup of experts, from Cool Cats’ Clon and Super Influencer Swan Sit to celebrated artist Beeple and NFT Now’s Matt Medved, promising a multifaceted exploration of Web3. Additional luminaries, including Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin, Block’s Jack Dorsey, MIT’s Lex Fridman, and artist Grimes, are expected to contribute further insights, ensuring a thorough dive into the complexities and potential of Web3 from a variety of angles. Adding a unique dimension to the narrative, Dr. Sian Proctor, an AfroFuturism artist and the first African American woman commercial astronaut, shares her intersectional perspective on space exploration and digital art. Through these varied voices and stories, “Nifty 30” promises to enlighten, inspire, and challenge its audience, marking a pivotal moment in the understanding and appreciation of NFTs, Web3, and technological advancements of the ever-expanding digital universe.
The documentary also confronts the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in art, challenging viewers to consider questions of creativity and ownership in the digital age. Springna believes, “The future is here, and it is much nearer than you know. It’s happening now…It’s never too late to a party that’s worth attending, and the more we understand how to utilize this technology as a tool to advance our lives, our experiences, and our service, the better.”